REPORT OP 

GAME AND FISH WARDEN 



FOR 



NEW MEXICO 



1910-1911 




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COMPr^IMENTS OF 

THOMAS P. GABLE 

Statk Qa&ib and Fish Warden 
Santa Fe, Nevs' Mexico 



First Report 



Of 



Game and Fish Warden 



hor 



New Mexico 



1909-1910-1911 



SANTA PK, N. M. 
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S T A T E F X E A\' :\I E X I C 0, 
Deparlnient of Game and Fisli. 



Santa Fe, Xew ]\[exico, December 31, 1911. 
To H(fnora.hle WiUiani C. McBonaJd, (jovernor, and the First State Legislature 
of Xew Mexico: 1l: 7U. ■ 

I beo- leave to submit herewith, my leport. i-overiny the ])erio(l of two vears 
and nine months, beginning April 1st. 1!»(I9, to, and including December .'U. 1911. 

Eespectfully, 

Tho:n[as p. Gable. 
Game and Fi^^h Warden. 




HONORABLE WILLIAM C McDONALD. 
First Governor of the State of New Mexico. 



IN TIM) 1) (■ ("IM OX, 



1 lu'rcwitli traiKinit the first printed report made hy the Game and Fish 
Warden's Dopartnieni since tlie enactment of the game laws of l!)()o. 

I have endeavored to treat concisely of tlie various suhjeets pertaining to game 
and (ish. submitting also, my financial statement of the receipts and disbursements 
of this otlice, during the period of my incxnnbency. 

Tliis report will show that hereafter no approi)riation will he needed from the 
legislature for the maintenance of this department, unless tiie legislature sjiould 
enact laws authorizing the esta])lishment of fish hatcheries and game preserves. 

The ])rinting of this report is authorized ])y Section 38, Session Laws of 1909. 




Yours for tlie protection of our game, lisli and song Ijinl^ 



THOMAS P. GABLE, 

Game and Fish Warden. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN. 



New Mexico has no more valuable as?et aiiiono- all Jier endless treasures 
tlian her incomparable game and iish i)reherves, which are unrivaled by any 
other conniionweallh in any nation of the world. Within her confines an; more 
than eleven million aci'cs in the forest reserves and approximately thirtv-one 
million acres of unoccupied government lands. 

There is not a man living, who is tossed about, montli after month, in the 
bustle and bang of l)usiness life, who does not need a vacation. He needs it 
for his mental, moral and physical development. He needs the woods, the music 
■of the streams, the rock-ribbed mountains, the warbling birds, and the chance to 
drive out the fetid air of the stuffy office and dusty street, and to fill his aings 
with tiie pure, nndefiled, vigorous ozone, found only in the mountains, the 
forest and open field. It is Nature's tonic, and she jiresents it freely, abunthnitly, 
to anyone who will accept the offering. 

That man is a misantbrope, a misfit, a misfortune, who does not enjoy with 
genuine zest, the free, boundh'.-s outdoor life. There is something awry in the 
construction of the man to whom tliere does not sometimes come a longing for 
the camp fire by the rippling brook, within the shaded wood, with a frying pan 
over the glowing coals, from which steals out on the soft summer air. that 
alluring odor of speckled trout. ivQfh fi'om the stream, growing both crisp 
and tender as they splutter in the bacon grease until tliey reach just the 
perfect turn. Tlius. whether one finds flie greatest delight in playing the ganiey 
trout or in the quick beating of the pulse as the huntsman strikes the fresh track 
of deer, wild turkey or even some predatory animal, or as the whirr of quail or 
grouse sets his nerves a-tingling, it is the glorious outdoor life that lures the man 
in whose veins runs the red blood of health and vigor, and who ])ossesses the spirit 
to appreciate the beautiful, the inspiring attributes which can only be found in a 
life in the broad and health giving open. 

It is not exaggeration to say that here in \e\v ^fexico. are found attraction?: 
to the sportsman, the tourist, the healtlisceker. the lover a\' the ])icturesque, the 
sublime, the uplifting, that are unsurpassed in all the woi'ld. Nowhere are more 
rugged mountains, lifting their snow-capped peaks up into the very clouds, 
mountains where big game aboinid in tlieii' natural surroundings, where they wan- 
der at will, thiough the \ast tracts of unbroken foi-csi. living the life that is theirs 
by nature, and iindi^ui'licd oidy when the huidsiuan cntcis that land of heart's 
desire, to find his wildest dreams fidlilled and his most ardent ho|)es gratified. Xo 
one who ha% not seen it. can fully ap|)reciate the beauty, the grandeur, the marvelous 
attractiveness of thi-; ])articidar spot in I'ncle Sam's big domain. Here Xature 
has fairly outdone herself; here she louclu^d the landscape with her most brilliant 



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REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 11 

coloiiniis : horo slio iniirkt'd tlic cliaiiiicN lor the most inTfcct. the ])iiivst. ck'arcst 
mountain streams: lici'c she l)uil(l('(| licr iioMcsi mountains and clothed tliem with 
a varied and Ix'autifnl verdure; hei'e she spread hroad. I'ertih'. prodiu-live valleys, 
fre^'-hened hy i'i|i|»linL;- walei's, ami slocked liicm witli uanic hii'ds. at once the most 
heauriful, tiie nuist attractive, the most sought Ity the true siiortsnum and the ex- 
jiericnced ej)icure. It is a veritahle paradise lor the huntsman and for ail tliose 
who truly h)ve tlie hest life of all. — the life out of doors, with its pui'e air. its 
woodsy odors, its hrejidth, its heauty and its ])ower to hestow health. 

To our neiahhors in other states. New Mexico extends a cordial invitation to 
com<' among ns and onjoy with us the hounties which Xalui'e has ]ioure(l out here 
with sucli Sjilendid ahundaiice. 

Tt is only within very I'ccent years that the position of ixaiiu' and iisli warden 
has l)een regarded as of orcat im])ortance to the well conductei! ami proiiressive 
state government. 

For si'enerations tlie wild >i'ame of America was considered, without other 
thou<iht, as the natural ])rey of him who wished to destroy it, and as the riii-litful 
hoory of any who mii;ht discover the ])ri/.e. It was this thoufrhtless consideration 
of this valuahle and charming adjunct to the ])hysical attractiveness of outdoor 
American life, that led to the ahsolute efVacement of tlie huffalo. and the almost 
total de])letion of wild game in our eastern states, and it was onlv when the hirds 
liad disappeared from the meadows and woodlands, the game from the mountains 
and the fish from the streams, that the ])eople tliemselvcs awakened to the danuige 
they had sustained and sought some method of restitution and a rehahilitation of 
that wliich they recognized as a distinct loss. 

'i'hen. wlien the ])reservation of game and fish 1)ecame a suhject of statutory 
enactment and a dc])artnient was provided in numy states for tlieir ])rotection. th« 
o])inion prevailed that this was hut a ]ilay in the interests of the rich and tliat 
the poor were heing discriminated against. The results have clearly ])roven that 
the opposite is true. The man of wealth, if he l)e a sportsman, can hunt wiiere 
it pleases him. If game and tlsh are rare in his neighhorhood, it is only at the 
expenditure of a little tinu' and a small anuMint of money, that he is enahled to 
reach those points where the game wliii-h he might he seeking could he found in 
ahuPidaiU'C : hut to the average citizen this dooi- was dosed, lie must find tliis 
recreation and enjoyment in his own locality or miss it altogether. The ])rotection 
now given hy statute to game and fish in nearly all onr states, gives to the sportsman 
in every station of life, a full opportunity for the indulgence of his desires. The 
value of ganu» protection has i)ecome generally acknowledged and the advantage 
accruing to all our jjco^ile is a conceded fact. It has hecome a settled jiriiiciple of 
law. sustained hy the coui't^, that our wild game hclongs to all the ]teople. and not 
to a favored few. 

dust what melliod of I'cgidation is nu)st (h'sirahle and effective has opened 
an ex])erimental line of action, hut it has now hecome almost universally conceded 
that the license system is the nu^st satisfactcuw and the most e(piitahle for securing 
funds for the maintcmmce'and accomplishnu'iit of game protection and the enforeo- 



12 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

ment of the law. It is, as well^ the only system that enahles the sportsman of 
moderate nieanc to share the field sports with his more fortunate neighbor. 

With the revenues derived from this source the burden of expense for game 
protection rests upon those receiving the benefit, — the persons who hunt and fish. 

In 1909, the legislature of New Mexico wisely enacted a license law for resi- 
dent and non-resident hunters and for non-resident fishermen. The three years 
during which this law has l)een in force has thoroughly and conclusively proven 
the wisdom of it, and it is now accepted by the people generally, as the most satis- 
factory method of regulation. The hearty and generous support given by the press 
of New Mexico in publishing favorable comments regarding this system has been 
of very great assistance and has been highly appreciated by this department. 

The system of non-resident licenses practically began in the United States in 
1895, since which time nearly all the states have adopted the plan; the fees for 
licenses varying in different states and ranging from $1.00 to $5.00 for residents 
and $15.00 to $100.00 for non-residents and aliens. The fee of $1.00 for bird and 
$1.00 for big game for residents, and $25.00 for non-residents and aliens, as 
charged by New Mexico, is recognized as being fair and reasonable, and is now 
fully accepted and highly regarded by the people of the state. 

I am pleased to report that the revenue now derived from licenses issued by 
this office renders it ?elf sustaining and nto further appropriation will be 
needed from the legislature for the game and fish department, provided that body 
does not establish a lish hatchery in the state, which would, of course, call for an 
amount that could not be provided from the regular revenues that come naturally 
to this department. That the office of game and fish warden has become entirely 
sell-sustaining is a fact that must appeal to the tax payers of the state, and it 
is naturally a matter of pride that this condition has l)een brought about under 
the administration of the present head of this now important department. In 
this connection it is a matter of interest to compare the amovmts appropriated 
and expended by other states as shown l;)y the following table taken from the official 
reports for the year 1910: 

Illinois $76,047.89 Utah $35,850.00 

Wisconsin 41,595.26 Iowa 31,846.00 

Colorado 24,368.00 Montana 27,000.00 

Indiana 34,079.49 Louisiana 71,871.18 

Minnesota 51,164.49 California 77,012.00 

New Jersey 19,877.07 Missouri 56,192.24 

Michigan 27,738.24 

From this statement it must be readily admitted that New Mexico stands well 
to the front of other states in tbe economical administration of her game and fish 
laws, and I feel she is entitled to tlie congratulations of all who are interested 
in the successful operation of this important branch of state service, as the 
annual appropriation for salaries in this office is but 1^2,300, all other expenses, 
including the purchase of game and fisli being met by monies received from 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 13 

the -aiue protection fuiu]. A comi.lete slateinent of all receipts and expenditures 
may be found on anotlier page of this report. 

It is a significant fact that no state has ever repealed a license law when 
onct such a law has been placed upon the statute books. The value of the license 
law is now nniversall_y conceded. 

An article from '"Forest and Stream,"" date of July, 190G, throws light on 
the system prevailing where the rights of the people are curtailed and the sports- 
man's pleasures are confined to comparatively few favored ones. A portion of 
the article is as follows : 

"The news dispatches tell us that Henry Phipps, of Pittsburg, has 
rented the famous Glen Quoitch deer forest in Scotland. The estate com- 
prises fifty thousand acres, or soiriething more than seventy-eight square 
miles. The papers put the "total expenses"' at $500,000.00 a season; but 
this is a patent exaggeration, although the finances of deer forests are ex- 
pressed in large figures. At the time of a recent computation there were, in 
Scotland, one hundred and ten deer forests, covering a total area of two 
million acres, and bringing an annual rental, if let, of one million five hundred 
thousand dollars."' 
This all brings us naturally to the f|ucFtion of 

GAME PRESERVES. 

As game and fisii warden, a study of game and fish protection, and experience 
in building up this important industry, have led me to recommend to the bio- 
logical survey the setting aside of a tract of land comprising seventeen townships 
in the Pecos National Forest Eeserve, Avhich extends into the counties of Santa 
Fe, San Miguel, Mora, Taos and Eio Arriba, which tract will be under the super- 
vision of the I'nited States government, as indicated by the following letter of 
Dr. Palmer, assistant chief of the biological survey : 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Bureau of Biological Survey 
Washington, D. C 
"Mr. Thomas P. Gable, 

"Territorial Game and Fish Warden, 
"Santa Fe, Xew Mexico. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I am in receipt of your letter of September 7, and I beg to thank you 
for the offer of the hearty support of your department in the establishment 
of a game reserve in the Pecos National Forest. 

"It is very gratifying to know that you are so interested in the matter 
of game preserves, and T am glad that ]\Ir. Cooper was able to go over the 
sidjject with you. His rc])ort has not as yet come to hand, but Avill be due 
in a few days, dudgiiig from the correspondence which wo have received, 
there ^eems to be a good deal of local sentiment in favor of the establishment 
of a reserve at this point and I hope the project may receive favorable con- 
sideration from Congress. 




Map of Proposed National Game Preserve. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 15 

••Tlieri' arc. doubtli'ss, s^evL-ral localities in Xcw ^Mexico which arc ad- 
mi rahlv adapted for game reserves. A reserve for antelope is o;reatly needed 
in one of the southern counties; another Tor elk and deer niiiilit he located in 
the southwestern ]iart of the Territory. While it may not he possil)le to s<.'curc 
more than one National KeM'rve at ])resenl. it may he foasihle to have one 
or two State Keserves, modeled after those of Wyoininu-. Montana, or Cali- 
foinia. 1 liope you will hear this matter in mind wlu-n your legislature 
convenes. 

••'.Vspuring vou of my deep interest in this question, I renuiin 

"\'ery truly yours, 

••T. S. Palmki;, 
"Acting (,'hicr. IWological Survey" 

'Hu' map annexed shows the area covi-rcd in this pro])osi'd reserve. The plan 
is to [)lacc in this large reser\;' a numhci- of det'r. elk. antelope, mtnintain sheep, 
turkev and grouse, and to pcimit tlicm to increase here, taking them at pro])er 
intervals from this iM-scrAc and ti^ansfci'i'lng them to varions points throughoui 
the state. J I is iniended 1o protect this pi'cserxc liy a ])roliil)itive zone, three 
miles in extent on (-ach side, which will prevent the slaughter of the game en- 
closed, hy careless or reckless hunters, intentionally or otherwise. 1 consider tlrs 
the \)v^\ possil)le method of game pi'ojiagat ion. as an adjum-t to the natural increa-e 
in ditl'd-ent parts of the state. 

.Vside from the preservation of our game in this lai'ge national park, it will 
■^er\e as an iutei-esting and attractive adxcH isenienl foi' New Mexico, partaking, 
as it does, sonu'wliat of the natui'e of the famous ^'ello\vstl)nc I'ark, and furnishing. 
as well, a most delightful pnip.l foi- tonrists to \i-it and enjoy. AVithin the en- 
t-losure. trails will he laid ou^, lodges and othei- huildings erected, and through 
it will he completed the "Scenic Highway."" now heing constructed hy the state, 
wliifji ali'i'ady toutiies the l)f)rders of this ti'act on the uoi'tli and south. IVrhaps 
no method of advertisement is more effective or atti'acls uiore tourists than that 
whith olfei's an opportunity to see our wild uame in natural haunts and at the 
same time o])(>ns to \ iew the heautiful. matchless st-enery of the west, which is 
no where more allirring or more satisfying than in the state of Xew ^^e\ico. wlnM-e 
the tourist and sight-seer luis. in the past, heen all too casually invited. 

In an endeavor to hring ahout tlu' estahlishment (d' this extensive |)resi'i-ve 
this department has had the earnest co-operation of 'V. S. Palmer of the l)io|ogical 
survey. .\. ('. li'ingland, district forestei'. and A. ('. Cooper, l'. S. game warden. 
Mr. Cooper has s])eMt several months investigating the game conditions in Xew 
.Mexico, and is entlnisiastic owv the state's resources and jiossihilities. Regarding 
the project of estahlishing this governnu'ut preserve. Mr. Cooper says: 

"Such a ])reserve wonld prove of untold good to the sportsuu'ii of this state 
for it would serve the purpose of stocking the foi'csts. Just as the water reservoirs 
are a good Ihing to save watei- foi- drinking and irrigation |)urposes, so a game 
])i'eserve works to the advantage of the hunter, though he may not think so at 
(irst. Tlu' plan is 'o fence in ahout seventeen tov.iiships. In this preserve will Ito 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 17 

kept big' game, liirKey and grouse. There will be plenty of quail and turkey 
to get outside the preserve after the hatching season and these will furiiish ma- 
terial for the sportsman to shoot at."' 

Thus, with the active co-operation of the United States government, this great 
preserve cannot fail to become one of the most attractive features of tJie west 
for both tourist and sportsman. 

A NEW DEPARTURE. 

The time is ripe, in my opinion, based on a close study of game and fish con- 
ditions in this country, and a knowledge of the subject which can only be gained 
by actual contact with these conditions, for a new departure in the matter of 
caring for and distributing our game and fish. I am a firm believer in the 
establishment of a private preserve for both fish and game, on a limited scale, 
of course, where they can be bred, raised, and sold for market. This new de- 
parture in the care and propagation of game and fish has been strongly urged 
during the past few years by the United States department of agriculture, and 
the suggestions have been adopted in some states, notably in Iowa, Illinois and 
Colorado, where the plan has worked with a large measure of success. In Illinois, 
Mr. Warren 1?. Leach has a large private preserve where elk, Virginia deer, 
European red deer. Japanese Sika deer and a small flock of sheep, dwell together 
m perfect harmony, free from the attacks of dogs, which occasionally dig in, 
but are quickly disposed of by the elk, as these kingly, antlered animals will not 
harbor the presence of a rank outsider. 

The history of game preserves in the United States has been a series of ex- 
periments. In some cases success has been achieved and in some failure has re- 
s'j.iLcd. These experiments, however, have been salutary and have tended toward a 
successful end. As the system becomes better understood and our population 
increases, the private game preserve will be more importantly considered, not 
only as a large factor in game preservation, Imt as a means of recreation and 
diversion. 

.Preserves may lie established with especially good lesults in sections where- 
game is not locally abundant. In some places, by sinking wells, making ponds, 
constructing dikes, artificial marshes may be formed, which attract large numbers 
of ducks and migratory birds, or small lakes may be fomied for various kinds of 
fish. Regulated properly, by state control, the private preserve is bound to become 
a valuable adjunct to game and fish preservation and offers an additional method 
of supply. This system of game and fish conservation invites no danger from over 
production, no matter how many persons might establish a private presence, as 
the demand could never be fully met. The Americans are a game loving people, 
delighting in an abundant amount for table use, and as the natural supply is being 
rapidly exhausted, and as the time of procuring it under the law is limited, there 
would never be a time, when the markets woidd be overstocked. In addition 
to this, a new field of industry would be provided for a large number of our 
citizens and the door would be opened to a new element of producers in the world 
of American business life. 



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KEPOR'i; OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 19 

Still anotlier argument in favor of this plan lies in the fact that elk and 
deei, especially the former, are fond of a class of vegetation that grows wild in 
the mesa often preferring it to the fresh green feed or hay raised in cultivated 
lielcis, thiis saving the expense that might otherwise lessen the profit in this province 
of big game propagation. 

The domestication of deer and elk offers an interesting Held for experiment, 
iis well as reinunorativc returns for the investment of capital. Both these animals 
can be raised successfully and cheaply under conditions prevalent here, and no 
drawback presents itself that would prevent the raising of them as a source of 
profit to both the individual and the state. 

The same conditions prevail regarding fish as are found in respect to game. 
The fish found in the wild and unbroken regions of ISfew Mexico are the most 
sought after and enjoyed. No fish excites the admiration and delight of tho 
American as does rhe speckled trout. He is general Iv recognized as the most 
delicate and delieious meml)er of the i\A\ family and would always be in demand 
on the market. 

Safeguards against the destruction and sale of wild deer in place of domesti- 
cated are not difficult to enforce. For this purpose a system ol* licensing private 
parks, and of tagging deer or carcasses sold or shipped, so that they may be 
easily traced and identified, is recommended. There is no doubt that, with favor- 
able legislation, mufh othenvise waste land in Xew j\Iexieo nuiy be utilized for the 
production of venison so as to yield profitable returns, and also that this excellent 
and much esteemed meat, instead of being denied to 99% of the population of 
the country, may become a familiar product in our markets and purchased at a 
price not higher than the ordinary meats now offered for sale. 

How inconsistent our own game laws must appear in authorizing the issuance 
of a permit tr deale.'s for the sale of protected game and fish, and yet prohibiting 
the keepers of liotels and restaurants from serving them on the table or naming 
them on their luenu. 

The following states have modified tlieir laws so as to pmvide. uiuler regula- 
tions, for the sale of deer from private preserves. Transportation and even ex- 
port are included in some of them : 

Arhinsafi. — Possession, sale, and .-liipineut of deer or fawns is ])ermitted 
when they have been raised in captivity for domestic jjurposes and are accompanied 
by an affidavit from the raiser. 

Colorado. — Owners of private presenes tuider a license are permitted to 
sell and ship deer or other quadrnpeds that are accompanied l)y an invoice. A 
fee is required for each animal sold. 

Illinois. — Any person who raises deer for nutrket uuiy kill and sell them at 
any tiuie in the same manner as other domestic animals. 

Ii(di(nia.— The provisions of the law as to possession and sale do not applv 
to persons who have under ownership or control anv deer raised in a deer park. 

jlfas.sfuJivsclts. — The owner nuty sell his own tame deer kept on his jdwu 
grounds. 

Minnrsolii. — Persons who desire to domesticate deer, moose, elk, or caribou 



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REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 21 

may secure a permit to do so from the state board of game and fish commissioners 
by paying a fee of 50 cents for eacli animal in captivity and a like fee for each 
animal added later by natural increase or otherwise. The animals kept in captivity 
may be sold or shipped within or without the state, by permission of the commis- 
sioners. 

Missouri. — Deer or elk, alive or dead, may be shipped from any private pre- 
serve and sold in the markets of the state when accompanied by a tag furnished 
l)y the game warden of the county, showing whose property it is, and to whom 
shipped. 

New Hampshire. — The Blue Mountain Forest Association may kill elk, deer, 
or moose in their preserve for one month after the open season, and at any time 
may transport them outside tlie state. 

New York. — Deer may be sold during the open season; and moose, elk. cari- 
bou, and antelope from private parks ma^- be sold during the same period. . 
Common carriers may transport animals into the state for breeding purposes, 
but may not transport venison unless it is accompanied 1)y the owner. 

North Carolina. — Seventeen cov«ties permit the owner and keeper of an 
inclosed game reserve, who raises deer for use or sale, to kill, sell, or use those raised 
or kept in sai([ inclosure. 

rennsylvania. — Owners of game preserves who hold a game-propagating cer- 
iihcate may sell and transport deer or fawn alive for propagating purposes only, 
after securing the written consent of the president of the board of game com- 
missioners. 

In three or four other states game "under private ownership legally acquired," 
is supposed to be exempt from the general provisions of the game law; but in 
a test case as to its sale or export it is doubtful whether the courts would so hold 
without more specific provision legalizing such commerce. 

VIOLATION OF GAME LAWS. 

The strict enforcement of the game laws is not effected without spme diffi- 
'culty and requires constant vigilance and activity on the part of the game warden 
and his deputies. For generations the Indian has ranged over the broad tracts of 
this great Avestem section of our country and hunted at will. It is no small task 
to teach them the law and demonstrate the benefit which comes to them, as 
well as to others, through its enforcement. 

Up to two year? ago nothing had ever been accomplished in the way of putting 
n stop to the recldess, wholesale slaughter of deer and all big game hy the reser- 
vation and Pueblo Indians. They simply killed at will, in accordance with their 
long established and unmolested cu.stom. Upon assuming the office of game and 
fish warden, in order to acquaint the people with the law relative to game and 
fish, and deeming this the most efficient method of securing compliance with the 
statute, I had printed several thousand copies of the law. in English and Spanish; 
also a synopsis on cards and cloth posters, sending them to all the county clerks, 
deputy game wardens, forest sujicrvisors and guards, teachers at the rarious Indian 
pueblos and reservations, as well as to individuals and newspapers of the territorv 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 23 

for their int'oniiation and distribution. Tlie Indians had copies widely distributed 
among them with attention called to tlie license and limit proviso and they 
seemed to understand the meaning of the law, as they procured licenses; but, in 
the face of this they went on shooting and slaughtering all the game they could 
lind. in reckless disregard of the prohibitory statute, until it seemed to me thai 
some energetic and severe measures must l)e adopted to prevent the further 
unlawful destruction of the game. This department was constantly receiving 
reports from different sections of the territory detailing the violations of the 
gan'ic laws, the following being an example : 

"Hunters say that a band of marauding Apaclies from Arizona has 
butchered hundreds of deer in violation of the game laws, literally wiping 
the game out of one of the best hunting sections of the southwest. Ranch- 
men and rangers have seen stacks of hams and quarters piled breast high, 
and it is said the Indians are killing every deer they can find." 
In the fall of 1910, five different bands ol' Indians were arrested. Each 
individual meinlter n\' these Ijands was convicted and lined. One band of Pueblos, 
arrested in tlio Datil mountains, about one hundi'ed luiies west of Magdalena, 
l)y deputy wai'den Bol) Lewis and ranchman Earl Morley. had in its possession 
nearly one hundred head of deer, consisting of bucks, does and fawns. Valuable 
assistance was also rendered this department by Supervisor W. H. Goddard and 
his forest guards by the arrest and conviction of violators of the game laws in the 
Datil forest district. The accompanying picture ]iresents a good view of this band 
wlien arrested and in charge of the warden. I took the whole posse of violators 
iiefore the justice of the ])eace of Magdalena, where they were fined five hundred 
dollars, and costs taxed at one hundred and twenty-fiv(> dollars, all of which was 
paid. 

In tliis matter great pressure was brought to bear by many prominent citizens 
in favor of the Indians, the argument being that they intended no wrong and 
believed they were but acting within their inherited rights: l)ut it seemed to 
me that this was an opportune time to impress a lasting lesson, and I urged the fact 
that the Indians ])iirchased licenses having tlu' law plainly printed on the back, 
which was sufficient evidence that they were not entirely innocent of wrong doing. 
In two other cases where arrests were made the Indians attempted to get the hides 
and lieads of their I ooty into the pueblo l)y sending spe<'ial couriers awiiy from 
the main body. This, in itself, seemed to me at least strong circumstantial evi- 
dence that the violators recognized the wrong. They were captured, however, 
and paid their fine. 

AYhile in these cases, the costs, int'hiding trans])ortation. telegrams, long 
distance telejihones and necessary exiu'iiditiu'es. were considerable, yet, the inflic- 
tion of fines, instead of a term of imprisonment, moiv than met all these expenses, 
and in addition to this Hie moral effect was sufficiently impressive to bring about 
the most satisfactory results. 

There ceems to be no doubt that the reservation Indians, when hunting on 
their reservations, are exempt from arrest for violation of the game laws, but 
court decisions seem to establish the )irinci|ile that Indians found outside the 




EXD OF THE CHASE. 
Captured by Ruggks and Holder, Taos County. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 2o 

Teservation, with game illegally captured or killed, may be followed onto the 
reservation and arrested, or the game may be confiscated in transit, if found off 
the reservation, even though it was killed on Indian land. This ruling does 
not apply to the Pueblo Indians, they being classed as citizens. This legal status 
touching the relation of the reservation Indians to the game laws of the state is 
the cause of some difficulty in knowing always just where to draw the line. In 
the main, however, the Indians, at the present time, are causing but little trouble 
for this department. 

I am now pleased to report that during the year 1911, I have had no 
-complaint of the wholesale slaughter of deer, one of my deputy wardens whom 
I sent on a tour of inspection, reporting that he was "unable to find a moc- 
casin track in the Datil mountains." The same is true in all other parts of the 
state, and I anticipate no further violations of the game law on the part of the 
Indians. It is gratifying also, to make note of the fact that our records show 
that the native people, comprising those of Mexican descent, have been consistent 
observers of the game laws, and it has become a generally recognized fact, among 
them, as among all others, that the protection of game and fish is both necessary 
and beneficial, giving as it does, an opportunity to procure game near home, with- 
out being compelled to go a long distance to secure it. 

OUR GAME AND FISH. 

Xew Mexico presents a field, unsurpassed anywhere in the world for that 
recreation and enjoyment so relished by the true sportsman. Its great mountain 
ranges are covci^ed with a heavy growth of timber, while down their rugged side* 
flow inexhaustible streams of cold, pure water, heading in the snow-capped peaks 
of the majestic Rockies. Over the vast wooded areas wander deer and antelope, 
as well as a legion of predatory animals, always the delight of the ambitious 
hunter, the bagging of which causes the most supreme pleasure. 

Those unacquainted with the habits of these wild beasts of prey, cannot fully 
appreciate the havoc wrought by them to the game whieli the state is endeavoring 
to protect. The mountain lions now very numerous in our rugged, lofty woodlands 
are, perhaps, the most destructive of all these savage creatures that roam the vast 
tracts of unbroken forests, and hide in the rocky canyons where the hunter finds 
difficulty in tracking the wary marauder into those hidden haunts he knows so 
well. It is estimated by students of the habits of these destructive animals that 
one mountain lion will kill a deer each week, a statement that will occasion sur- 
prise among those who only know this wily brute as one of the wild creatures of 
the west, or a rare specimen captured for exhi])ition in the red Avagon of the 
circus parade. 

In evidence of the destructive tendencies of the mountain lion, I would state 
that word was recently received at this office that Stephen .Arnold, a ranchman on 
the upper Pecos, had lost fourteen colts and one full grown horse, killed by these 
noxious anii^jals this last year. 

As a matter of fact, the ruinous operations of the mountain lion constitute 
one of the ])roblems for solution by thi^^ department. The only method of at least 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 27 

les^inino- the depredations of this destroj-er of game, as well as others of his class, 
sucii as the bob cat and lobo wolf, is to put a sufficiently large price on his head to 
induce lovers of big game hunting to make strenuous effort toward his elimina- 
tion. 

'J'he bob cat, conunonly known as tlie wild cat, is another predatory animal 
that is very destructive to the smaller wild game, the greatest sufferers from his 
depredations being the turkey and the grouse; he has been known also to kill 
fawn, when his cunning in the capture of his favorite food failed to meet the 
demands of his appetite. 

Still another carniverous and baneful animal is the lo1)o wolf, a species not 
uncommon in New ]\Iexico. 'J'his free Ijooter is an enemy to the sheep herds, one 
ranchman in Torrance county being reported to have lost as many as three hundred 
sheep in a single night, as a result of the bloodthirsty instinct of this animal. The 
lobo wolf docs not kill for food only, but apparently from a spirit of pure enjoyment 
in the slaughter, like sheep-killing dogs; leaving his victims dead or dying. 

AYhile a good many ])ear, comprising the silver tip, cinnamon and black, are 
found in different sections, they are not seriously regarded, as it is but rarely 
that they kill other animals; the ranch cattle and burros being the only objects of 
their attack when their natural food becomes scarce. Of course, the bagging of a 
grizzley is always an ambition of the big game hunter, and here liis desires in this 
direction may be fully gratified. 

Bear are reported as being quite numerous on the upper Pecos, as the ac- 
companying picture would indicate. 

I am pleased to report that in spite of the depredations of these predatory 
animals, the actual amount of wild game in New Mexico is greater than it has 
been for many years, and the same is true of the game fish in our lakes and streams, 
a sul)ject which will be toiiched upon later in this report. 

In the mountain districts deer have increased in number and these sections 
are now well stocked. It is of interest to know, in this connection, that no New 
^[exico hunter going out during the past season, Avhose prowess and accuracy of 
aim entitled him to the prize, failed, on his return to bring with him the ont 
pair of buck's horns to which he is entitled uiuler the law. This result, as 
detailed, is a tribute l)oth to the s])lendid hunting opportunities afforded here, 
and to the skill of our local nimrods. Recently, Sonorian or rock deer, have ap- 
peared in the ]Mogollon mountains, liaving ap])arently drifted into this district 
from j\[exico, which is their hal)itat. They bid fair to become more plentiful 
in tiic future and will add another attractive element to the New Mexico sporting 
field. There is also a l)and of mountain sheep, aggregating, probably, from two to 
four hundred, in the Guadalu])e mountains on the line between Texas and New 
]\[exico, and a small bunch also have been reported near Truchas peaks in Eio 
Arriba county. These fine specimens of wild game once so plentiful in the moun- 
tainous regions of the west were fast becoming extinct before the ravages of the 
huntsman.-but it is hoped that under the rigid ])rotection of our game laws, they may 
increase rapidly in the state. The law provides a closed season until 1915. 



'28 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



The antelope, once so nnmerons all tlirougli the west, disappeared very rapid- 
ly as their feeding grounds were encroached upon hy homeseekers, who took np 
these lands for cultivation, but in various sections a nuiuber are still reported in 
Colfax, Socorro and Valencia counties, while in southern Xew Mexico reports 
show as follows : 

■Carlsbad district, South 40 to Go miles 50 antelope 

'' Will Cravens Eanch 34 

''■ 9 k Eanch, 45 miles south 20 

'' Eader Eanch. 15 miles south 13 

" 35 miles northeast of Carlsbad 59 

" 35 miles southeast of Carlsbad 50 

northwest of Carlsbad 150 

'' Barber Eanch 65 




THE CLUB GROUNDS AT CAMP TOBERMORY, NOVEMBER 14, 1911. 
From left to right: A. R. Streicher, Hugh Smith, A. L. Hobbs. W. H. Smith— Polie. 

On the Sacramento mesa, Otero county, 350 head are reported and at Fort 
Stantoji, also, 100 more. It is estimated that there are about 1,700 in the state. 

Elk will soon become a prominent feature in New Mexico game life, and as 
the procuring of them is in the nature of a new departure, I will treat of them 
specifically on another page of this report. 

The beaver, also, will have a special mention. 

In the world of bird life, I feel a gratification in reporting that conditions are 
most favorable. Wild turkeys, which have always been attractive to the hunter, are 
rapidly increasing In numliers and these, together with the ever popular grouse, 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 29 

are I'ouucl more niiiiic'ruiisly than for a long period past, in tlic northern coimties 
especially. A few wild pigeons have been reported in the counties of Rio Arriba, 
Taos, San Miguel, Eddy, Grant and Otero. The once plentiful and much sought 
prairie chicken is now again appearing quite extensively along the eastern border 
of tlie state. A iew ptarmigan are still seen in Taos county, but they are very 
scarce and it can be but a short time when they will become extinct. The quail, 
Gambel, blue mountain and bob white, are becoming constantly more numerous. 
The various species of game birds will be specifically mentioned in another section 
of this report. 

FISH OF NEW MEXICO 

The fish of our state have become numerous both as to quantity and kind. The 
lakes and ponds have, as inhabitants, the ring perch, cat fish, carp, buffalo and 
black bass. Of the.-e the perch and bass, of course, are greatly preferred, and 
really, the only fish that are especially attractive to the devotee of tlie rod and 
line. 

As the lion is tJie king of beasts and the eagle of birds, so is the black bass 
the king of the fresh water fish. This splendid inhabitant of our inland waters 
is the delight of the angler on account of his gamey spirit, and on the table he is 
without a peer . As evidence of his popularity it is only necessary to state that, 
on the market he brings the highest price. 

In planting fish for propagation it is wise to study their habits, both as to 
ki'nd of food and their relation to the body of water and the other fish in the 
same waters. 

The black bass, a wary and gamey warrior, is particular both as to his sur- 
roundings and his food. While he may thrive under certain conditions, in rivers 
and creeks, his favorite habitat is in ponds, where clear water prevails and where 
aquatic plants abound or where he may hide around old tree tops, logs or brush 
piles that may lie in the water, the lily pads being enjoyed by this fish for spawn- 
ing grounds. The spawning season for black bass is from May 15 to July 1st. 
Black bass, while voracioits feeders, are very fussy about it, and want only the 
best the market affords. An old bass not only wants the best, but likes a change 
of diet, which accounts perhaps, for the fact that aside from small fish, cray fish 
and frogs are quite often found in the dissected stomach of black bass, and in some 
instances insects and even birds. Some difficulty has been found in bass citlturc 
on account of the cannibalistic qualities of this fish, as the bass does not hesitate 
to eat his own kind, when food to his liking is not at hand . To obviate this diffi- 
culty, ponds containing black bass should be stocked liberally with suckers, bull 
heads, and other rapidly breeding fish, to keep up the food supply without de- 
pleting the number of young bass, which would otherwise be destroyed by the 
larger members of their own family. The bass guard their eggs while they are 
being hatched from all those enemies which feed upon the spawn of fish, seeming 
to regard this food Avith the same delightful appreciation that the human family, 
the members of which can afford the luxury, seek for the delicate caviare. So pro- 
tective of its eggs is this scrappy member of the fish family that he has been 



30 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

known to kill fish miich larger than himself, during the spawning season, by dart- 
ing under the intruding enemy, striking with the sharp, knife-like fin, which the 
bass carries on his dark and shiny back. It has been proven by experience and 
actual test that black bass will clear a lake or pond of German carp, pre- 
sumably by this means, and feeding upon the young. One instance clearly prov- 
ing this statement is shown in the fact that one of the ten lakes owned by J. 
T). Hand, on his large estate in San j\Iiguel county, which was stocked by the 
former owner, with German carp, and was literally alive with this undesirable 
fish, was stocked by the present owner with black bass. Five years later and at 
the ])resent time the German carp have entirely disappeared and the kingly bass 
now reigns supreme in this lake where once the carp predominated. Inasmuch 
as the German carp, which was introduced into New Mexico some years ago, is a 
poor table fish, is a cannibal and a destroyer of other valuable fish, it is to be 
hoped and urged that those stocking laT^es and ponds will no longer order carp, 
liut will confine theij- orders to black bass, ring perch, crappies, cat fish and wall- 
eyed pike. These fish are suitable only for lakes and ponds, and those who 
oossess waters of these kinds should stock them only wdth the fish mentioned 
above which can be obtained at present and free of cost, only through Hon. 
George M. Bowers, bureau of fisheries, Washington, D .C, to Avhom application 
should be made. The application must also be endorsed by one of our members 
of congress, or one of our members of the United States senate. The demand 
on the government for these fish is so great that it is only possible to fill requests 
in the order in which they are received and filed. No means have yet been found 
by which this class of fish can be successfully spawned and raised in hatcheries, 
altiiough the government has spent large sums in experimental trials. 

Those who have the water but no natural ponds can readily construct an arti- 
ficial one. ^^'e give herewith some valuable suggestions along this line, offered 
by L. L. Dyche, game and fii-h warden of Kansas, an acknowledged authority on 
fish culture. Mr. Dyche says: 

"After the dam or dike has been finished and the bottom of the pond has been 
put in proper condition to be filled with Avater, the owners are usually anxious 
to s«e the new ponl area filled up with Avater either from natural drainage or 
such other sources of water as the locality may afford. It Avould really be 
better in many cases to alloAV the ncAv dam and pond area to stand and settle for a 
feAv months or even a year. HoAvever, this is not necessary, as it is possible to fill 
ueAv-made pond Ijasins as soon as they are finished. Before the Avater is turned 
onto the ground that is to serve as the bottom of the ncAvly-made pond it should 
be carefully examined for sandy, gravelly or porous places. 

There .should be natural or scooped-out places in every fish pond not less 
than six feet in depHi (8 or 10 feet Avould be better) ; Avater on the Ijottom of a 
pond remains more even in temperature than that on the surface. The deeper 
holes in a pond provide cool places for the fish to rest in during the hot siimmer 
Aveather. It also furnishes them places of retreat where they can bed Avith more 
safety Avhen the Aveather is cool and Avhen the pond is covered Avith ice in the 
dead of Avinter. Unless the fish are surrounded l)y plenty of Avater at such times 







«o 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 31 

they may die I'or want of air. For many years wc have noticed that many iish 
tliat liave been bedded, either from necessity or l)y accident, in shallow water — 
water that was not more than one to two feet in depth — have died during the 
winter. Tliey seem to become very numb and nearly frozen, so to speak, and 
apparently die for want of air; in this weakened condition they seem to be more 
susceptil)le to the attacks of the white fungus disease which, under such con- 
ditions, sometimes kills off great numbers of fish. 

While spring water is usually considered to be very fine for iish. it is, per- 
haps, the poorest of all waters when it comes to furnishing the fish with food 
supplies. It contains practically no fish-food material, and Avhen it comes from 
the ground is poorly supplied with air. It can he much improved and supplied 
with both food and air by carrying it for greater or less distances through opea 
ditches, ravines or creeks, where there is more or less plant and animal life grow- 
ing. Artesian water and water pumped from wells are as destitute of fisli-food 
as spring water, but the quality of such water for fish purposes may be improved 
bv running it into ])onds that are well supplied with water plants and insect 
life. 

Fish live in the water and breathe the air that is held in small bubbles in 
mechanical mixture Avith the Avater. They do not live on water any more than 
iniman beings live on air. We live in the air and breathe it; fish live in the water 
and breathe by ])a,ising the Avater through the gills (their lungs) and hy this 
operation get or gather the oxygen from the particles of air that the water contains 
in the shape of minute bubbles. Hence, running water or water that is agitated 
into Avaves by the Avind is always better for fish as it contains inore minute air- 
ladjbles for them to breathe in." 

Bass are numerous in the Spring rivi-rs, all the deep lakes in Chaves and 
Eddy counties. Salt Creek, the SeA-en rivers and Black river, in the last mentioned 
county; in fact in nearly all the clear Avater lakes and streams of the state. 

Great s])ort is thus offered the fishermen of these sections and in addition, 
they iind enjoyment in the substitution of this diet for the habitual one of mutton 
and beef. 

An establi.-licd and satisfactory method of preparing the ])otloni of an arti- 
ilcial pond, to prevent leaking, and Avliere the soil is sandy, is to drive a herd of 
sheep or goats back and forth over a coating of clay, placed over the sand. This 
gives a hard surface Avhich holds the Avater and gives a substantial and permanent 
bottom to the ])On(l. 

A fish i)erhaps as well known as any of the Iish family, is the cat Iish. The 
•MIX name takes us baick home, to the Avooded pond, a mile or two from town, 
to which Ave tramped on stone bruised feet, bearing on shoulder the primitive fish 
rod and the hook purchased at the village hardAvare store for one copper cent. 
'I'hat boy has lost a good deal out of life Avho never knew the cat fish, his habits. 
liis appearaiu-e and the flavor of his flesh. This fish has l)ccome a good deal of a 
favorite in itii nt years as evidenced from a government report Avhich states that 
in one year twenty-three states reported a catch of 14.1,26.000 pounds; also that 
"l)Olh com.mercial fishermen and anglers thronirhout the comiirv are showiuir in- 



32 REPORT OF GAME AND F]SH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

creased interest in catfishes ,ancl requests for stocking public and private Avaters 
]3ave recently been numerous/-' Catfishes are bottom feeders, omniverous in their 
habits, taking more or less vegetable and a great variety of animal food. They 
ijave large mouths, heads, stomachs and appetities and are capable of adapting 
themselves to a wider range of conditions than most any other member of the 
fish family. This fact renders these fishes increasingly valuable for pond stock- 
ing. They -will prosper in brooks inhabited by the bass tribe. 

The crappie is another fish that is becoming popular as a pond fish. He 
beiongs to the pug variety with his large mouth and protruding jaw, but is not, to 
any great extent, given to the destruction of other fishes. Their nature is not can- 
nibalistic and they do not devour their own kind; their jnain food being vegetable 
matter mixed with insects and crustaceans of both land and water varieties. 
While the crappie is not classed as a game fish, yet he gives good sport to the 
angler and is very satisfactory in the frying pan. 

To the true fisherman, who delights above all other sports^ in the light rod 
and humming reel, no word has a greater lure than that magic one, "Trout." 
The locality which can offer a tempting field for the trout fisherman is sure to have 
a niche in the hall of fame in the sport world, and to bring to it every season, 
the out-of-door lovers from every section of the country. Colorado is reaping a 
veritable harvest from tourists, and furnishing great sport for the home angler. 
This state has established nine hatcheries, which are maintained by legislative 
appropriation, this being found necessary to meet the constantly increasing de- 
mand. The waters of that state have become so far famed and popular that 
during the past season a special train was run daily out of Denver, known far 
and wide as the "Daylight Train," which passed through Wagon Wheel Gap and 
stopped at Creede, Avhere the fishing was superb. This enticing sport seems to 
have no rival in the estimation of those Avho love the camp life among the moun- 
tains where gambols the "speckled beauty.'" — the fish that never fails to arouse 
the spirit of the angler. The far famed and greatly admired brook trout has habits 
:!nd peculiarities Avhich belong to him alone, though in some Avays he resembles 
strongly the mountain trout Avhich is his cousin. Alike, these tAVO members of 
the trout family are gamey, wary, and most delectable. The distinct difference 
AA'hich distinguishes them lies in the coloring, marking and in their habits of 
spaAvning. The brook trout has clearly defined spots on the side, which are a 
clear red in color, avI ile on the mountain trout the spots are dark broAvn or nearly 
black. One argument in favor of the brook trout, wherein he is especially beneficial 
and valuable, is based on the fact that this fish Avill breed and spawn Avhere 
planted and will there remain, unlike the mountain and rainbow trout Avhich 
go to the headAvaters for tho spawning season. The brook trout spaAvns in No- 
vember, the eggs hatching during the winter months, even under the ice. The 
young fish coming out early in the spring have the advantage of a substantial 
groAvth before going into winter quarters, Avhen they are large enough to escape 
from the attacks of other cannibalistic fishes that might otherwise destroy them. 
Another point of value lies in the fact that eggs of this fish are not as subject to 
freshets that Avash tlie eggs ashore, where many of them are destroyed or become 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 38 

worlliK'ss. Still ;iii(«tlu'r pdiiit (if diiriTciK-e hctwt't'ii the brook Irout and others of 
iiii< raiiiily. lies in tlic t'st<il)lislii'(| Jacl lliat llic brook trout will not cross with the 
niountain or i'ainl)()w trout, owing, pcrliajis, to tl)e time ol 3'ear at which the 
sjjawning occurs. 'Vhv flesh of tiie brook trout is as dainty and delicious as any 
lish that switus, and this variety is cs|)ecially desirable for propagation because, 
always remaining where first planted, it can be catight in July and August when 
other ]neinhei-s ot this po])ular family arc at the head waters^ spawning. Many 
a time, on the broad stream, a lisherman is heard to say, "Let's go up to the head 
of the stream and get soiue of the red fellows;"' but, as a matter of fact, few, even 
among experienced anglers, understand tliat the distinctly rosy tint found in the 
flesh of the trout or the red color on his underside, is due to the diet consisting of 
very small shrimp. T']) the stream, towai'd its head, grow masses of heavy sod and 
water cress. Underneath, among the roots, are thousands of these tiny red animals, 
which are considered a great delicacy by the trout, and they feed ujjon these diminu- 
tive creatures with supreme delight. Tn the lower w'aters tiiis food is not found as 
abundantly and the trout loses the bright red coloring. 

The mountain trout is a native of the rocky mountain region, and by many 
?poitsmen is considered the chief of his tribe, for both food and qualities of 
gameness. In halu'ts this most popular fish differs little, if any, from the rain- 
bow, as they soawn during the same month of the j'ear and seek the headwaters 
for that purpose. Tlicse two varieties cross very readily, so that it is difficult 
now to find these distinct sjiecies, except at the hatcheries, where, of course, they 
are kept carefully .-.'jtarated for breeding. It has become a well known fact to 
all students of fish lite and culture, that crossing is beneficial. The same 
effect is produced as iu the human and animal kingdoms, where it is now fully 
understood that interbreeding begets a stunted and less vigorous progeny. Before 
the introduction of the rainbow and mountain trout from other waters into the 
Xew Mexico streams it was a rare catch that landed a trout that exceeded four 
j)ounds in Aveight ; the constant interbreeding had tended to decrease the size, but 
witli the introduction of trout from streams in other sections there has been a 
decided and very noticeable change in the size and condition of these fishes in our 
waters. The interbreeding of the rainl)ow and numntain trout has had the same 
effect. 

The rainbow trout, like other members of his tribe, is a thing of beauty and 
a joy forever, growing to a larger size than any other member of the mountain 
trout family. AVithin th(^ last few years rainbow trout have been caught in large 
numljers, weighing fi'om live to seven pounds and a few have ti])])ed the scales at 
ten pounds. 1'his trout is not a native of the rocky mountain region, but was 
brought liere lor trial and has thrived luxuriantly. When crossed with the moun- 
tain trout, the result gives a s])lendid fish for mountain streams, — very gamoy and 
a gi'cat table delicacy. Thesc^ two species of fish, spawning during months of June 
and July, travel many miles to reach the headwaters for tliis purpose. The 
frciiuent frcjiiets during summer months and the desti-uction of the eggs from 
lizards, snakes aiul other ent'inies. necossarilv Lircatlv decrease tht^ nund)er of voung 




ALONE WITH NATURE. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 35 

lish tliat would othonvise find existence in tlie water, as but few of the eggs can 
reacli maturity. This is partially due to the fact that the rainbow and mountain 
trout leave tlu spawning ground after depositing the eggs and then return to their 
former haunts. From these conditions it is readily seen that it is absolutely 
necessary, in order to keep our streams well stocked^, to make good the loss by re- 
placing fish fry or fiLgerling in the streams that are depleted through natural 
and unavoidable agencies. It is a well established fact that 95% of the eggs 
takr.'u from fish and placed in the state hatcheries are successfully hatched, while 
only 10 or l'i% of the eggs laid in the natural way in the mountain streams 
reach maturity. Mo stronger argument can be advanced to establish the necessity 
of restocking our streams each year with trout from hatcheries. "The demand 
for fish, either for food or sport, can no more be supplied. by the natural increase 
than the demand for fruit can be supplied by tlie wild natural growths." Nearly 
all our states, realizing this fact, have established state hatcheries which are being 
operated with such success that the plan of establishing this important branch of 
state service has never been dispensed with in any state. 

New Mexico having no hatcheries, we are necessarily compelled to depend on 
securing our fish from the government and by purchase from private hatcheries. 
It is for the legislature to determine whether it is desirable to build a state hatch- 
ery for stocking our streams, and it is well to consider the question on all sides 
when it comes up for serious consideration. The management and conduct of a 
fish hatchery demands experience, skill, and judgment on the part of the person 
who may be in charge, as indifferently conducted, a hatchery would be of no value 
to the state, and would be but a constant drain on the treasury, with no results. 

The National government has been very friendly and liberal, having furnished 
for planting, to this department and to individuals, during the years 1910 and 
1911, as shown in ;'. detailed statement on another page of this report, 9,589,000 
trout and 16.2G5 of all other kinds of fish. In addition, during the same period, 
1 have purchased and planted 1,513.300 trout fry. The demand for fish, and 
especially the trout family, is growing greater each year, and naturally the price is 
constantly going u]). Orders must be placed during summer and fall when eggs 
are taken for future delivery in order to secure them. I therefore placed an order 
for 500,000 trout fry for spring delivery of 1912. 

The dynamiting of fish is one of the most inexcusable and pernicious prac- 
lice- indulged in l)y those who, lacking the spirit of the true sportsuuin, would 
procure fish in any juanner and regardless of legal and just restrictions. So rep- 
rehensible is this practice regarded, that in some states it has been made a 
felony. Tliis despicable offense should be punished by a penalty so severe that 
no one will hereafter have the temerity to indulge in it. 

Young fish can be shipped almost any distance with proper care, and when 
judiciously planted, will neaily all live. Nothing lessens the vitality of trout so 
much as careless handling in transit, or afterward planting in water either much 
colder or warmer tban that in the cans, or where the water is too deep, or the 
current too strong. 



86 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

In case the distance from the station to place of phmting* is more than 
three or four miles, or if there is any delay in transit, sufficient ice should be pro- 
vided and placed in the cans in small quantities from time to time, to keep 
the temperature of tJie water about the same as when received. In case the water 
where the fish are to be planted is known to l)e warmer than that in the cans, the 
temperature should be equalized before planting. The temperature of the water 
should be kept substantially the same as when received, and the wagon kept in 
motion, but if a stop exceeding ten minutes is made, the attendant, having provided 
himself with a. long-handled dipper, should, every few minutes, dip the water 
from the cans, pouring it from a height of a foot or more, to thoroughly aerate 
the water. This is better than a change of Avater. 

At the time of planting there should not be more than three degrees of dif- 
ference in the water in the cans and that in which the Ush are to be planted. 
This equalizati.ai can l)o effected by dipping the water from the stream or 
lake and pouring it into the cans until the temperature is about the same in both. 
This gradual change will have no ill efi'ect on the fish. A thermometer is desiral)le 
bttt not necessary as the equalization can be tested l)y the hand. 

In planting, pour the fish gently from the cans, if possible in channels or 
bayous where there are grass or willows, as tlie fish will then be in less danger from 
larger fish or birds. 

T also wish to call attention to the necessity of having screens or paddle 
wheels placed at the head of irrigation ditches. So ini]iortant has this matter 
become, in the estimation of tJiose interested in this subject, that at the meeting 
of the American Fisheries .Society, held last October in St. Louis, the following 
resolution was introduced by W. T. Thompson, who is connected with the U. S. 
I^iological survey, and adojjted : 

"This society deplores the large and increasing destruction of valuable 
food and game fish in the ditches of irrigation systems. 

"Recognizing the recent and future great increase in irrigation projects 
of our nation, and the certainty that this loss will be largely augmented 
thereby, we urge upon the attention of state officials and legislative bodies in 
regions where irrigation is practiced that they spread knowledge of the means 
by Avhich said loss may be averted and provide by a statute for the introduc- 
tion of such apparatus at the intake of ditches and canals that the descent 
of fishes into these artificial channels may be prevented. 

"We deem this of great importance, not only that the sums devoted by 
the state and nation to the propagation and culture of fish should bring 
adequate returns, but also, that so attractive a feature of outdoor recreation 
and sport, also so valuable a food material mav^ be conserved for the peo])le for 
its proper use." 
The matter of the distrilnition of fish presents a proldem that is. often times, 
most difficult of solution. The demand always exceeds the supply and an equit— 
C;ble distribution is not always possil)le, however desirous the warden may be to 
exercise absolute impartiality. I have endeavored to make proportionate assign- 
ment of trout fry, and in numerous cases I have planted them in places where I 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 37 

lliouglit they were most net'dod, even tliough no application A\as made therefor 
by any person in that immediate locality. 

These facts clearly deirionstrate that the opportunities for those who enjoy 
the sports afield are iinsur})assed, and that the pleasures offered to the sportsman 
here are without limit. 

OUR BIRDS. 

In addition to the game birds in Xew Mexico, we have an almost endless 
variety of birds classed as "non-game/' including songsters and inseotiverous birds. 
which are rigidly protected muler a law enacted during the legislative session of 
1901. We can scarcely ovei-estimate tiie value of these l)irds. Aside from their 
beauty and attractiveness, they are a positive benefit in the protection they give 
to crops, trees, gardens and all vegetation, by destroying the insects which infest 
them. I am in favor of the most rigid enforcement of the law which protects 
these birds. 

It is a question if it would not lie wise to shorten the season on turtle doves, if 
not indeed, to give them the benefit of a closed season, as is already done in twenty- 
six states. This lovely, harmless, and useful bird, trusting and friendly as it is, 
should not be put freely on the block for slaughter when the black bird and 
the crow are given the protection of the law. 'fhe turtle dove is a ])Ositive ])enefit, 
coming about the door yard, nesting in the orchard, and hunting out the wild seeds 
in the fields and waste ]ilaces, destroying insects, but never injuring the grain 
crop nor devastating the ])V()(luct which is the result of so great toil. The reckless 
killing of this gentle creature should be at least curtaih'd if not ])rohibited al- 
together. 

We cpiote the folh)wing ]iaragra[)h from a l)Ooklet issued liy the American 
Game Protective Association : 

"This country stantls today at the ])arling of the ways in the matter of 
field sports. It faces today the question whether free shooting shall continue 
or whether the European system of preserves and posted lands is to become 
universal." 

The Albu(|uerque ^lorning Journal of January 8, 1912. adds these very per- 
tinent paragra))hs : 

"Aside from the interest which all right-minded people will have in the 
preservation of harmless wild birds and animals, the question has a most prac- 
tical financial side. It is estimated that between $2.-)0,0OO,O30 and $300,000.- 
000 damage is done annually to the crops and forests of this country by in- 
sects. The sole and onlv reason for the increase of these insects is the destruc- 
tion of the birds and other animals whicli are intended by nature as a check 
on insect life. The birds eat not only the insects, but the eggs and larvae and 
the number of insects which a single bird will dispose of in a season is enor- 
mous. It has also been proven that the destruction of the bird means a great 
increase "in various sorts of obnoxious weeds, the seeds of which would otlier- 
wise be eaten by the birds. 

"There are many beautiful and valuable species of bird- wliich have been 



38 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

completely exterminated by reckless shooting and many other kinds Avhich soon 
Avill be unless prompt action is taken. The legislation advocated by the 
American Game Protective association is moderate and much needed. It 
is to be hoped that the association will succeed in arousing public opinion 
on the subject before it is too late.'' 

The turtle dove is a migi-atory bird. It has been advocated by sportsmen 
and hunters, that for this reason it should not be protected. It must be admitted 
that many of our migratory birds are fast disappearing, some of them being 
almost extinct. Among these are the wild goose, canvass back duck and snipe, 
of which there are numerous varieties. There should be a national law enacted, 
protecting all migratory birds during their mating and nesting time, with a 
closed season, on some of them. This, I believe, will be eventually accomplished. 

QUAIL. 

Xo bird classed in the game catalogue is more fascinating, pleasing and 
cleanly in habits than the cheery, beautiful, dainty quail. This bird belongs to 
a very large family, the members of which often vary but slightly in habits and 
appearance, though they are placed in different classifications, and bear distinct 
names. The quail most known and most numerous in New Mexico are the blue 
mountain which abound in the northern portion of the state, and the Gambel, 
sometimes called the California, which is found more numerously in the south- 
ern portion. The Gambel is a handsome bird, the head being adorned with a jet 
black recurving crest, and marked on the flanks with a bright chestnut, streaked 
with white. This quail is one of tlie most conspicuous and charming forms of 
desert life, and quickly repays favors received, by becoming semi-domesticated. 
There is something peculiarly attractive about this species of quail, adding, as 
it does, a touch of animation to the lonely stretch of mesa, and it is a most winning 
little figure as it struts daintily out across the road, with its feathered top knot 
nodding with every step. In 1910 and 1911 I had trapped in southern Xew Mex- 
ico, 2,306 Gambel quail, exchanging some of them with other states for bob- 
white, and distributing the balance in the northern and eastern counties, where 
none of this variety had heretofore existed. It has been clearly demonstrated 
that they are r on-migratory, remaining in the neighborhood where planted. They 
have proven, also, to be very prolific breeders. 

All reports coming from deputy game wardens throughout the state show that 
quail are more abundant than they have l)een for a number of years past, the only 
exceptions being in the counties of Luna and Grant. Just as the devotee to the 
rod and reel waits for the opening day of the fishing season, when he can thresh 
the trout stream witli the flashy fly and play the speckled beauties until at last 
landed on the grassy bank, so the sportsman, whose delight is with the gun. 
greets buoyantly the day when, unhampered by the game laws, he can listen for 
the joyous call of the bonny quail, and tramp the hills and woodlands in search 
of this comely bird. This graceful and beautiful member of the quail family is 
naturally coy and timid, protecting himself from those predatory animals which 




FROM COL. f. M. WOODRUFF. 



80 



GAM BEL'S P.AK 1 Kllx.i-; 

(Callipepla g-amhi'liij. 

¥> Life-size. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 39 

are his constant and alert enemies by roosting in trees, but during the day he 
haunts the lands near farms, in the fields and bosques. 

The blue mountain quail is found more on the open mesa, hiding under the 
inalpais, cactus and sage brusli. Both these species of quail which abound in 
New Mexico, are much sought after by the sportsman who finds no greater pleasure 
than in a full bag at the close of a day's hunt. The law on quail is, with gun 
only, October 1st to December 31st. Limit: thirty in possession at one time. 

The bob white is distinctly an American bird and he has a popularity that is 
nation wide. Famed for his beavity and sought as a great table delicacy, the 
bob white has no rival among the game birds, being of great economic value as 
well, as his food consists of seeds and insects and he seldom does any injury to 
crops. 

Bob white is a liandsome fellow with his white throat and showy golden brown 
leathers, distinctly marked Avith lines of black and white, with ash colored tail. 
This bird has about him a most fascinating quality and seems to bear an atmos- 
phere of cheer. He is naturally affectionate and can, with care and proper treat- 
ment, be domesticated, though of course, he is at his l)est in his favorite and native 
haunts. There are scarcely any among the smaller game birds possessing the 
peculjiarly attractive qualities that belong to this charming member of the bird 
family. Tlic l)ob white has been very little known in N'ew Mexico heretofore, not 
l)eing a native to this locality; l)ut realizing the fact that he is a great favorite 
among sportsmen, and being satisfied that he would thrive here, if given a chance, 
J imported a few, during the year 1911, having exchanged them for our native 
quail, the laws prohibiting the shipping of game or game birds out of most of 
the other states, except in exchange for other game birds. The price of the bob 
white, purchased from game bird breeders is so high, as in the case of pheasants, 
that I have not deemed it wise to procure them through this channel. The few 
that have been brought here, through the medium of exchange, give promise of 
doing well, and under the protection given by the game laws, I have reason to 
expect a rapid natural increase, so that in the future his cheerful note will 
become one of the delightful features in the fields and woodlands of the state. 
The bob white is jirotected until March 18, 1914. 

PHEASANTS. 

The price of ])heasant.i, ranging from five dollars for English, and forty 
dollars for Mongolion, per pair, has seemed to me almost prohibitive and I have 
not deemed it wise to go extensively into the purchase of these birds, though their 
beautiful plumage renders them unusually attractive, and their position in the 
world of game birds has made them extremely popular. However, by way of 
experiment I purchased, last year, thirty-one pheasants and intrusted them to the 
care of Captain M. S. Murray of Eoswell, deputy game warden, who built breed- 
ing pens, purchased some bantams, and is endeavoring to raise them for distribu- 
tion. The success achieved by Captain Murray, and the present condition of 
these birds is indicated in the following letter written August 9th. 1911 : 



40 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

"Mr. Tliomas P. Gable, Game Warden, 

"Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
"Sir: 

"In reply to your letter of Ttli inst. I would state that the pheasants that 
were purchased for the purpose of propagating in this section of the country: 
All the birds purchased are still living and in good health. About fifty young 
birds were hatched, and apparently in good health. 

"The hatch was much longer in coming than in other parts of the 
country where 23 or 24 days are required, usually. Some of those here re- 
quired 29, 26 and 28 days. In addition, I believe they require more of a range 
to wander over than I have at present. I am practically convinced that the 
best way is to turn the birds loose in the mountains and let thein get next to 
natural conditions. * * * * j ^j^ convinced, however, that this is the place 
for them, especially in the mountain country, as feed is abundant and shelter 
good. There are several places about here where a pen could be turned loose 
next spring and allowed to do for themselves. This, I l^elieve, is the solution, 
as far as I can see at present. Other parties here who invested in the same 
variety, have not had as good success, not even hatching a chick, "the eggs 
not being fertile. I regret that a better showing could not be made, but I 
have not lost heart. I believe next vear, when the birds are acclimated, they 



will do much better. 



"Very respectfullv, 

"M. S. Murray. 



The following letter from William French of Cimarron, bears out the l)elief 
of Captain Murray that pheasants should thrive in New ]\[exico. and eventually 
become a popular game bird : 

THE W. S. RANCH 
Cimarron, New Mexico, Colfax County. 

"Thos. P. Gable, Esq., 

"Territorial Game Warden, 
"Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
"Dear sir: 

"Replying to your letter of Januarv 4th, would say tliat I turned fifty 
pheasants loose here on the Ponil about ten years ago, twelve males and twenty- 
eight females, as near as I can recollect. There are still quite a number 
around this neighborhood, principally on tlie Cimarron river, as I think they 
do not like it where the brush is too thick for them to fly out . There are some 
on the Ponil, but not so many as on the CUmarron. Of course, they have a 
great many enemies, both human, as well as wild animals, but they have done 
well enough to show that when they are protected for a time they will increase 
and do well in this country. 

"Yours very truly, 

"WiLLTA:\r Frexch." 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDP:N FOR NEW MEXICO. 



41 



'.riie })liL'a-^ant is protecteil uiilil Maivli IS. l!il j. [ have also purchased and 
released twenty-two guineas dnrinii- the ])ast year, as an experimental trial in fur- 
nishinu' a new aanie hird in the state. 



GROUSE. 

The grouse is an inhahitant of the transcontinental coniferous forests from 
the northern border of the United States, east of the Rocky JMountains, to Labra- 
dor and Alaska. The male is an especially handsome bird, the markings being 
very distinct, and in the spring the brilliant red eondjs above the eyes add to 
the beauty of the cock as lie struts along the trunk of a fallen log and drums in 
a peculiar way, similar to the eastern partridge. This grouse nests in May or 
early June and lays about a dozen butf colored eggs, handsomely marked in chest- 
nut and brown. This grouse is strictly a bird of the forest, and does not appear 
at any tinu\ to come into contact with agricultural products. The flesh of this 
l)ird is highly flavored, tender, juicy and regarded with great favor, but, as often 
liappens with all game birds, the flavor of the flesh of the grouse, at certain sea- 
sons, is afl'ected ])v the character of its diet. 




ADIOS. 



In some respects the grouse is a difficult bird to ]irotect as he takes no jire- 
<-aution in protecting liimself. Of one peculiar trail possessed by the grouse. Hon. 
Theodore Roosevelt writes: 

''The mountain men call tliis bird the fool-hen; and most certainly it de- 
serves the name. The mend)ers of this particular llock, consisting of a lien 
and her ihree-parts grown chicks, acted with a stuj)itlity unwonted even for 
their kind. They were feeding on the ground among some young spruce, and 
on oui' •approach flew up and ])erclied in the branches, four or five feet above 
our heads. There they stayed, uttering a low complaining whistle, and showed 



42 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

not the slightest suspicion when we came nnderneath them with long sticks 

and knocked them off their perches." 

The grouse in New Mexico are hecoming more plentiful owing to the rigid pro- 
tection, largely due to the careful attention of the deputy wardens, assisted hy the 
forest guards. The law on these birds is, with gun only, October 1st to December 
31st of each year. 

PTARMIGAN. 

This bird, now fast disa]>pcaring, is naturally a dweller of the colder climes, 
and is found more numerously still in Alaska and the mountains of British Co- 
liimbia. It ranges, to some extent, however, as far south as Colorado, and northern 
New Mexico, though seldom seen, and is regarded as sufficiently in the novelty 
class to be pointed out to'tonrists as one of the sights seen only in the west and far 
north. "The ptarmigan breeds in the higher altitudes, even reaching a height of 
13,500 feet and often wanders to the lofty summit peaks one thousand feet higher. 
They nest early in June, and in winter they descend to the lower altitudes when 
the sexes separate into different flocks. The food of the ptarmigan consists largely 
of buds, insects, some kinds of flowers and sometimes small beetles." The flesh 
of this bird has never been considered of the choicest class, though it is said to be 
quite palatable. The ptarmigan, which is a trusting creature, takes no precaution 
in protecting itself, and is given the l)enefit of the closed season. 

WILD TURKEY. 

This splendid bird, distinguished as our biggest game Ijird. is designated under 
our license law in the big game class. 

The following quotation from a bulletin, issued by Sylvester D. Judd. assis- 
tant in the biological survey, sets forth clearly the condition of the wihl turkey at 
the present time and the cause of his elimination : 

"The wild turkey, onr biggest game bird, was forjuerly abundant over a 
wide area. It has been exterminated throughout much of its former range, and 
unless radical measures ai'e taken it will become extinct in a few years. In 
early colonial da3:s it was numerous in Massachusetts, coming aboiit the houses 
of the settlers in large flocks. It is now totally extinct in New England. It 
is hard to realize that at the beginning of the nineteenth century turkeys were 
so abundant that they sold for 6 cents apiece, though the largest ones, weighing 
from 25 to 30 pounds, sometimes brought a quarter of a dollar. A big wild 
turkey nowadays would not long go begging at $5. It is their value as food 
that it made it Avorth while to hunt turkeys to the very point of extermina- 
tion. So-called sportsmen go out in the late summer ostensibly to shoot 
squirrels, but really to pot turkeys on the roost. Another practice is to lie in 
ambush and lure the game by imitating the call note of the hen in spring. 
The writer has personal knowledge of such methods of hunting in Virginia 
and Maryland, and they are largely responsible for the extermination now im- 
minent. Trapping turkeys in pens — a very simple matter — has also accelerated 
the destruction of the species." 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



43 



As with our tame turkey, the raising of the young wihl turkey presents many 
difficulties as the chicks are very delicate and exceedingly sensitive to the wet. Audu- 
bon says, that during wet weather they are fed by their mothers with buds of 
spice brush much as human youngsters arc dosed with quinine. 

When the young wild turkeys are two weeks old they roost on low branches 
with the mother, as Ijy tlie time they have reached this stage they have passed 
many of their early ills. 

The condition of the wikl turkey in New Mexico is most excellent, and they are 




WHO AVOULDXT BE A BOY AGAIN? 



increasing rapidly at the present time, now being very plentiful in the mountain 
districts. 

1 have reports from reliable sources that as many as one hundred and tift} 
wild turkeys have been seen together at one time this season in Eio Arriba countv, 
where they are said to be found in great numbers, 't'liey are ap])earing, as well, 
in districts where they have not been seen for many years past. 

Of course, the wild turkey is still, as he has always been, the prize for which 
the huntsman seeks with the greatest zest, and he holds his place without fear of 
rivalrv, orf the festal board; neither Thanksgiving nor Christmas being considered 
properly recognized without tlie ])resence of tliis cherished viand as the piece de 
resistance. ]f ho is of tlie wild vnrictv bis value is greatlv enhanced. 



44 REPORT OF GAME -AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

The food of the wild turkey is both animal and vegetable, the latter predomi- 
nating; though nothing seems to be quite so satisfying to the turkey appetite as 
grasshoppers and crickets, but berries, seeds and nuts are not scorned. Even 
where wild turkeys are plentiful they have not caused any trouble to the ranchman 
or farmer by feeding on their grain. The flavor of the flesh of the wild turkey is 
often att'ected by their diet, as during certain seasons, when eating berries, especially 
the juniper, it becomes so strong that it cannot he eaten with relish. The flesb 
is most palatable when the turkeys are feeding on acorns and pinon nuts. The 
game law on wild turkey is: with gun onlv, Xovember 1st to December 31st of 
each 3-ear. Limit: four in possession at one time. 

THE PRAIRIE HEN. 

This attractive and alluring l)ird is, I am much pleased to report, growing 
uiore plentiful in New Mexico, being found most numerously in Guadalupe and 
Curry counties. They have evidently drifted over the line from Oklahonui, driven 
out, it is presumable, by the encroachment of settlers as the farm lands were gradual- 
ly taken up. In former years the prairie hen was very plentiful in Iowa, Kansas and 
Missouri, and oven in the eastern states; Imt now is very rare east of the Mississip- 
pi, though everywhere they are being most rigidly protected, the open season 
being very short, even where their hunting is permitted at all. The prairie hen is 
very highly regarded as a table delicacy, the flesh lieing dark and having a most 
delicious flavor. Many sportsmen declare that tliere is no better sport than 
chicken shooting, as this bird is unquestionably one of the noblest of our game 
birds. This fowl is not as swift of flight as the bob white or ruffled grouse, and 
his preservation is more difficidt than that of the former, as that l)eautiful game 
bird is far more prolific tlian the prairie hen, and does not require so extensive 
a rauire. Like every other Ijird this pretty denizen of the prairie has its own pe- 
culiar characteristics. "During the nuptial season the}' assemble at daybreak 
each morning on little mounds and hillocks, where the cocks strut about with droop- 
ing wings, the large orange colored sacs on the sides of the neck fully inflated, 
while at intervals they lower their heads and give forth a strange, booming love 
note that can be heard a mile away. It is one of the most welcome and striking of 
all the notes that go to make vp the spring bird chorus. As a rule but one brood is 
rnised in a season, and the young leave the nest as soon as hatched and run al)out 
in search of food." 

Xo food seems as acceptable to the prairie hen as the grasshopper, any kind 
being agreeable, and this clafs of food is varied by consuming beetles and some mis- 
i-ellaneous insects, together with a small amount of vegetable matter. One notable 
feature of this fowl which makes it of especial value to the farmer lies in the fact 
ihat it is a consumer of those pests which are injurious to the farm and garden. 
On this account the farmers of the east have greatly missed the prairie hen as it 
hecame extinct in those sections where once it thrived. Efforts are being made 
nmong them to establish measures for its reintroduction and protection. However, 
in the winter when snow covers the ground, it visits the cornfield as a favorite place 
for securing sustenance. The law protects the prairie hen until January 1, 1915 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDExN FOR NEW MEXICO. 45 

THE CROW. 
Tlie crow is now protected aloiiu- with other non-game birds, but in my opin- 
ion is iinwortliy of this consideration. In some states tlie crows have become so 
"lestructive that the government receives their heads in lieu of taxes, at a small 
given price. Two serious charges arc made against tlie crow, as regards its relation 
to other birds, in that it destroys the eggs and young of domesticated fowls and U 
even more destructive to ihose of wild birds. The testimony of observers is 
abundant and unimpeachable regarding these charges. Dr. John 1). Godman, after 
years of can-ful observation, mainly in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, says: 
"Where food is at any time scarce, or the opportunity jfor such marauding 
inviting, there is scarcely a young animal about the farmyards safe from the 
attacks of the crow. Young chickens, ducks, goslings, and even little pigs, 
when quiie young and feeble, are carried off by them. They are not less eager 
to discover the nests of domestic fowls, and will sit verv quietly in .sioht. at 
a convenient distance, until the hen leaves the nest, and tlicn ilv down and 
suck her eggs at leisure." 

Crows are also very destructive to corn, tlie evidence being voluminous and 
conclusive. Jn addition to destroying corn in the milk, crows are fond of pulling 
the sprouting leaves, often causing very great damage to the fields of the larmer, 
who has come to regard this freebooter as a dangerous enemy. Jn my judgment 
the common i-row should l)e taken from the list of protected birds. 

OUR VANISHING SHORE BIRDS. 

Regarding these birds, W. L. ::\IcAtee, assistant biologist, says: 

"The term shorebird is a])plied to a group of long-legged, slender-])i]led, 
and usually plainly colored hii-ds belonging to the order LimicoUv. J\Iore than 
00 species of them occur in North America. True to their name they frequent 
the shores of all bodies of water, large and small, luit many of them are equally 
at home on ])lains and prairies. 

"Sborebirds have been limited until only a remnant of their once vast 
numl)ers are left. Their limited power of reproduction, coupled with the 
natural vicissitudes of the lirccding period,, make their increase slow, and ])e- 
culiarly expose them to daiigci' of extermination. 

"In the way of protection a beginning has been made, and a continuous 
close season until 191. "5 has been established for the following birds: The kill- 
deer, in ^lassachusetts and Louisiana; the upland plover, in Massachusetts and 
Vermont; and the piping ])lover, in Massachusetts. But, considering the needs 
and value of these birds, this nu)dicum of protection is small iiuleed. 

"The above-named species are not the only ones that should be exempt 
from persecution, for all the shorebirds of the United States are in great need 
of better protection. They should be protected, first, to save them from the 
danger of extermination, and, second, because of their great economic im- 
portauce. So great, indeed, is their economic value, that their retention on the 
game list and their destruction by sportsmen is a serious loss to agriculture. "^ 



46 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

BIG GAME OF NEW MEXICO. 

Of all the big game found in the west the elk stands supreme in a class by 
himself. New Mexico has not known this noble specimen of the antlered tribe 
for many years, though formerly it was known as the elk's home. When the Indians 
roamed and hunted at will through this great hunter's territory, and held the lands 
as their own, as a supposed right of inheritance, they ruthlessly slaughtered the 
elk, and with no opportunity for natural increase, they were finally eliminated 
entirely from the confines of New Mexico. Even today the horns of this splendid 
animal are found in the mountain ranges, which is conclusive evidence that elk 
were formerly abundant in this region. 

This imposing and kingly animal, often designated as the "llonarch of the 
Glen," is not surpassed for beauty and majesty in the game animal kingdom, 
New Mexico is the natural habitat of the elk, as the winters are not so severe, the 
feed is abundant and the range unlimited. The climate in this state is in strong 
contrast with that of Wyoming and other states of the extreme north, where elk 
abound, and where the long, severe winters, with deep snows, are most disastrous. 
From the Jackson Hole region, Wyoming, come most pitiful stories of starving 
elk, where, because their food is covered by the abounding snows or withered by 
drought, the poor creatures have died in great bands for lack of sustenance. The 
legislature of Wyoming appropriated money to buy food for these starving ani- 
mals; likewise, the congress of the United States appropriated a large sum, and 
the farmers gave liberally of their supply of hay, but in spite of these efforts to 
aid and sustain them, the elk died, literally by thousands from actual starvation. 

In the above named state where they are most numerous, elk are regarded 
as a valuable asset to the commonwealth, from a purely financial standpoint, as 
nto animal is more attractive to the hunter after big game than the elk, and 
those coming from distant jjoints from year to year, run into large numbers, 
more than willing to pay the non-resident hunters fee of $30.00. The habits of 
the elk are not generally known, yet make an interesting study. The bull elk 
shed their wonderful antlers each year, usually beginning about the first of March, 
though sometimes they are shed inuch earlier, and others carry them till May. 
During the period of shedding and while the new horns are growing the bulls 
assemble in bands, remaining entirely apart from the cows. Ijater on, about the 
last of fSepteraber, when the horns are fully grown, a complete change comes over 
them and their gentle nature develops into one at once .belligerant and irascible. 
At this time many a battle royal takes place between rivel bulls, and the moun- 
tains eclio with that peculiar whistle which ends with a deep roar. It is then that each 
bull endeavors to gather into a herd all the cows he can induce to follow him. 
Any interference with a Inill at this time by any rival means a terrific fight. One 
characteristic of the elk is that they have no fear of dogs or coyotes, as they kill 
them by striking them with their front feet. 

Realizing the importance of stocking our forests with these superb animals 
and recognizing the natural conditions so manifest here, I purchased with monies 
derived from the game protection fund, twelve head of three year old elk, in Eoutt 




THE ELK. 
As They Appeared When Broug-ht Into New Mexico, May, 1911. 




A Snap-shot of a Portion of the S.n 

■ November, 1911. 



;r ivaii.tif. .\<,ir (iinarron, 



48 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

coimtv, Colorado. This purcliaso included nine cows and three bulls^ -which I 
divided into three separate bands consisting of three cows and one bull each. One 
of these bands was released in Eed Uiver canyon, about fifteen miles north of 
Eaton: a second in Gallinas canyon, twelve miles northwest of Las Yegas, and a 
third in the Cimarron canyon in Colfax coimty. 

On the accompanying pages will be found a picture of these elk Avlien received 
by me, and a second showing the present condition and appearance of the bunch 
which I released in the Ciinarron canyon. It will be of interest to note the com- 
parative appearance as shown in the picture when the elk were received in May 
and again when the second picture w^as taken in November. 1911. The ragged- 
ness and depleted condition in the one is in strong contrast to the splendid, flourish- 
ing appearance in the other A close inspection of the larger picture will disclose 
two knobs on the head of the male elk whore the horns are just beginning to 
grow, while in the smaller picture they are seen in full maturity, each prong in- 
dicating one years age. 

The accompanying letter describes the condition of one Ijand of these elk at the 
present time : 

THE URRACA RANCH. 
Cimarron, New Mexico. 

''December 16, 1911. 
"Mr. Thomas P. Gable, 

"Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

"Dear Mr. Gable: 

"I tal\e pleasure in enclosing herewith several very good pictures of the 
band of elk which I have on the Urraca Eanch . These elk are doing splendid- 
ly and the two calves which were dropped shortly after their arrival are al- 
most full grown. I find these animals very thrifty and not at all hard to 
handle. The bull, as you Avill observe, has become a splendid specimen. It is 
my opinion that if elk are imported to this section of New Mexico and held 
a sufficient length of time to become thoroughly acclimated and located, they 
will make no further effort to wander from this range and that it will be an 
easy matter to restock the ranges of the state Avhich are adapted to their mode 
of living. 

"I think your step in this direction is one of the best things ever done l)y 
any game warden that we have ever had. It will add immensely, in years to 
come, to the attraction offered new settlers and sportsmen to the state. I 
take pleasure at this time also in stating that as a result of your willingness to 
freely appoint game wardens in this section the game in this vicinity has been 
well protected and is remarkalily on the increase. Both turkey and deer have 
been plentiful in this section this fall. Although I have been a careful ob- 
server, I have discovered no extensive abuses of the law. I think the system 
Avhicli vou have established is good and I wish vou at this lime everv success 



RKPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW NEXICO. 49 

ill the elVoi'ls yon nrv iiinkiiiLi- to protect and advance the game interests of the 
new stall'. 

"Wihi tlie season's hest wishes, 1 remain. 

"Very truly yours, 

"Geo. it. Wkb.steh, .Tk. 

W. II. Baitlett. proprietor of a hig game preserve in Vcrmejo Park, has 
prohahly t\v''nly-(he or thiily liead of elk. and .hidge A. B. Fall reports that five 
iiead have been seen in Otero county, located in Indian Creek canyon, which is 
one of the branches of Three Elvers. It is not known how these elk came to be in 
iliis locality, nor from whence tliey came. 

All of the elk released are in excellent condition, six calves having been l)orn, 
and all are thriving finely. It is my desire and hope to secure from Wyoming at 
least two carloads of elk for distribution in other parts of the state. 

The game laws of Xew Mexico make a closed season on elk. 

THE DEER. 

Jn respect to deer. I take great ])leasure in reporting that these graceful, hand- 
some, winning animals are certainly increasing rapidly, the numbers at present 
being far in excess of those for many years past. This is due, without doubt, to the 
more strict enforcement of the game laws, compelling a cessation of Avholesale 
slaughter, the destroying of deer blinds and salt'licks, maintained in districts where 
deei- abound, and to the watchfulness and energy of the deputy game wardens whd 
have had the hearty co-operation of the forest officers. 

There is no more pop\dar nor seductive sport offered the huntsman, than that 
atforded by the annual camp in the woods and mountains, where, gathered about 
the roaring night fire, weired tales are exchanged of past experiences, and hopes 
ex])ressed for good fortune on the morrow. Perhaps there is no pleasure more al- 
luring to the real lover of outdoor life than he finds in those hours of relaxation, far 
removed from care, anxiety and responsibility, when, with an untrammeled spirit, he 
can give free rein to pleasure and enter, without restraint, into the excitement 
and exhilaration of the chase. It is a pleasure to know that the state of New Mexico 
offers splendid op]iortunities of just this nature to the true sport lovers both at home 
and abroad. 

One point to which I would call attention in the game laws, is that relative to 
{he killing of deer with horns. This is an excellent provision and shoi^ld be re- 
tained, it is jirotective in a further sense than to the game, being as well, a saver 
of human life. The killing of hunters has become a very serious matter in other 
states, during the deer season, and any provision of law that offers such protec- 
tion is worthy of retention. In looking for deer in the woods, the huntsman is liable 
to become excited at the least noise and shoot witho\it investigating, taking it for 
granted that he lias a deer. If the law compels the hunter to discriminate between 
a buck and doe, he will slo]) long enough, at least, to find out what he is shooting 
;.t. and in 4hat Jiesitalion, lies the i)rotection afforded bv this law. Year by year 
tlii^ number of jjcople killiMl and maimed by careless hunters is steadily on tlio 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. ')! 

increase The reports froii! iiiiine wai'dcns in various states are fairly startling. 
Jn a j-ecent season tli*; total nuniher of accidental deaths reached seventy-four, 
witi seventy persons injured, some of them so seriously that death was likelv to 
resnil. Any hiw that has a tendency to lessen this dangerous evil, can but be 
sahitai'y in its results. 

THE BEAVER. 

Undoubtedly, the majority of peojjle in ^,'e\v ]\Icxico are of the opinion that 
tlie l)eaver is practically extinct in this state. As a commercial factor it is true, 
thai the heaver ceased to exist some years ago. hnt it does not follow that this in- 
teresting and industrious litth' animal should pass entirely from tho.se localities 
which he has x) long known. The heavers are as prolific as nuiskrats and in former 
years wrw wvy abundant, before the entrance of the trapper who sought him for 
the value of his fur, which constitutes the heaver's chief worth; but he has other 
economic uses of great impoitance, as well. His practice is to coustrnct extensive 
dams at tlie head of streams, therel)y forming ponds, which make fine re.sorts for 
trout, and in a rainless season, when drought ])ravails, these ponds become avail- 
able for irrigation ])urposcs. 

In building these dams the beavers disjilay almost human intelligence, as they 
prepare their matei'ial by cutting down cottonwood and (puiking aspens, going 
always abo\e the dam site for these logging operations, and cutting the trunks 
through wiili their nuirvelously strong teeth which are as effective as a saw. They 
then float oi- drag the logs down to the point where the dam is to be constructed. 
After ])lacing the larger logs they chink in the spaces as, in early days, the pioneer 
used to chink ids log house. Tkccently on a tri]) of investigation which was made 
in answer to a coni])laint charging damage done by l)eavers, I found a great many 
pieces of young timber, cut in lengths of from two to four feet, piled on the bank 
of the stream to be usetl by these cunning mechanics in the chinking process, 
when constructing the dam. They lay these .small pieces l)etween the large logs, 
and ])laster in the mud, using their tails as trowels. 

The dams themselves cause no jiarlicular damage, but are reallv a benefit 
except in case of floods caused by extended rainfalls or melting snows which 
cause the Avater to rise to the overflowing jioint, when, in many instances, the 
adjoining lands are submerged and frequently the channel of the stream is en- 
tirely changed and valuable lands and crops are destroyed. In streams of the 
size and character of the ]?io Grande the water is too swift and floods too numerous, 
1 presume, for the operation of the beavers, as they have not made any attempt 
to construct dams there. However, there are a great many beavers on this streaui 
from the neighborhood of Belen to >hid)udo.. 'I'hey burrow in the bank and build 
homes, where they rear their families, living on cottonwood and willows found in 
adjacent territory. In places where they lunc exhausted their favorite food they 
have become quite troublesome and destructive by attacking orchards, the bark of 
the ai)ple tree^ being especially favorecL T have l)een requested to issue permits 
for the trapping of beaver in several instances where orchards were being de- 
stroyed, and have not hesitated to givt- ihe permission requested, as I regard one 



02 RKPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

apijle trjee ten years of age as of more intrinsic vahie than a Avhole colony of 
beavers. 

AMiile ' beaver are more numerous in Colfax county, due to the protection 
given by the ranch owners who realize their benefit as storers of water, yet they 
are also found in large numbers in Taos, Eio Arriba, San Juan, Lincoln and San 
]\Iiguel counties. 

It is ijrobal)]y true that occasionally applications have been made by parties- 
for the capture of beaver for the purpose of using the fur only, but in each case 
I have endeavored to ascertain delinitely the conditions and facts from direct evi- 
dence, either by personal investigation or by reports from deputies before issuing 
a permit. 

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 

Li is the general purpose of the game and fish laws to protect the wild life in 
our forests, streams and woodlands from reckless slaughter and eventual annihila- 
tion. Xot long would these beautiful, charming and valuable auxiliaries to our 
state's attractiveness and prosperity be left to us were the strong, protective edicts 
of the law erased from the statute books. 

It is the highest duty of those entrusted wdth the execution of the law t v 
prosecute without fear or favor those who wilfully violate it, and to use every 
endeavor not only to protect our defenseless wild game and fish from destruction, 
but to retain Avhat Ave already have and prevent its depletion by constant restock- 
ing and adopting methods of propagation. 

In the earlier days, when the protection of game and fish was first considered, 
and experimental methods Avere being tried, the Avhole matter Avas lightly regarded, 
and not deemed to Ije of much importance. As the subject Avas forced upon the 
people by the constant and rapid decrease of AA'ild game, the question of protection 
and ]n'opagation assumed a grave significance and the sentiment has grown steadily, 
until now the department of game and fish is regarded in most of our states as 
second to none in importance. Touching this phase of the subject, I quote from 
the report of Jesse A. Tolerton, game and fish Avarden of Missouri, giving a 
synopsis of the speech of Dr. T. S. Palmer, in charge of National game preserA'a- 
tion, AYashington. 1). C. The speech Avas delivered at a gathering of state and 
federal officials at the fifth annual conA'ention of Avardens and commissioners of 
the United States. The quotation is as folloAvs : 

"Dr. Palmer maintained that for the best residts the system should be 
put on a basis Avhere it Avould Avork automatically, even if the head suddenly 
resigned or Avas incapacitated for service for any reason. He advocated the 
building up of a body of men Avho give their Avhole time to the work, (lanie 
u-nrdpii sliovJd he a profession, not a job, and that the position should be taken 
out of politics, as the subject was large enough and broad enough to require 
the best energies and the greatest amount of knowledge that could be put inta 
it. Each state must learn of other states and foreign countries. Even South 
Africa leads America in some proldems of game protection." 



REPORT OF GAME AND FJSH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 53 

Further, on this subject we (iiiole from Conuiiissioncr Kelly Evans, a dis- 
iiiiyiiislied authority on game and fish, as follows: 

"Under the stress of modern civilization the jack-of-all-trades is rapidly 
being replaced by the specialist in every branch of business and commercial 
life. It IS not sufficient for a man to be a respectable citizen, with just enougli 
knowledge of his profession to enable him to disguise his own incapacity 
beneath a veneer of self-assurance. To get on in the world, to make good, a 
man must know his gun — lock, stock and barrel; his business from top to 
bottom and in.-ide out. The professional man grasps this, and attunes him- 
self to the situation; the business man realizes it, and, as employer, demands 
it of his employees. Unfortunately, however, in the machinery for the en- 
forcement of the regulations, designed to conserve for the people some of 
the natural food resources of the province, this most iniporrant fact seems to 
have been neglected, or, at least, overlooked. 

"The organization of the outside service of the department of game and 
fisheries is not the creation of any one man or of one political party. It is. 
on the contrary, the child of circumstance, nurtured by the partizan spirit of 
political patronage, and handed down from one administration to another. 
Though of late years a very distinct improvement has taken place, the brief- 
est study of the system will disclose the necessity for radical reform. 

•'That the men entrusted by the government with the enforcement of the 
law on its waters or in its woods .should be expert sailors or woodsmen, as the 
case may be, and physically capable of discharging their duties, none will be 
found to deny; as likewise the fact that to employ those who are not, is. in 
the efficacy of its pecuniary investment, closely akin to casting gold into a 
bottomless pit. * * * * 

"That a subordinate olliecr, entrusted with the enforcement of the game 
and fisherv regulations over a district comprising many miles of lake and 
Avoodland should be 90 years of age; that an officer of the outside service, 
occupying a position of L-ome importance, should generally have the reputation 
among persons in his district of being unused to the handling of a boat, and 
timid of venturing his person on the water; that a game warden should have no 
woodcraft, and be afraid to venture alone into the woods ; that another should 
attach himself to a shooting party and indulge with them in the illegal destruc- 
tion of game during the closed season — these are, to say the least of it, absurd' - 
ties; and yet they are but few of the instances brought to tlie attention of your 
commissioners. * * * * * 

"In the selection of ollicers for tlie outside service of the dei)artment 
of game and fisheries it would seem that the principal general requirement^ 
to be looked for are good character and sobriety, health, energy, strength 
fearlessness, tact, thorough knowledge of the game laws and fishery regula- 
tions, and education sufficient to read and write; nm\ that, in ])articular. for 
the fisli^ries ])rotective service, knowledge of the different fishes, knowledge 
of the waters to lu' patrolled; and. in jiarticular. for the inland service, know- 




OBLIVIOUS TO ALL CARES. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 00 

ledge of tlio denizens of llie woods, their eliaracteristiL-s and habits, sliould be 
considered indispensable attainments.'' 

CLERICAL WORK. 

'J'lie ekM'iial work of this department since the license law went into effect 
has assumed sucli ])roportions as to surprise anyone who has not given attention 
to the matter. A comjdete change of system became necessary and on many oc- 
casions additional ofiice help was required to keep n]i witli the work. 

There are at present 148 collecting deputies who issue licenses. Every book 
of licenses sent out must be charged to the party receiving it, and this involves 
tlio keeping of an individual and separate account for each license collector, and 
each month, as the monies from the sale of the same are sent to the state treasurer, 
he in turn informs us of the amount which must be credited to the individual 
accoimt of the person remitting it. Each license collector is required to make 
monthly reports to this office, the number of licenses issued, and the amount of 
numey remitted to the state treasui-ci-, which report is compared and must balance 
with that of the state treasure)-. 'Hie l)Ookkee])ing referred to above is but a 
small proportion of the clerical work necessary. Every license 'is made out 
in duplicate, from a wiiltni and signed application, the licensee receiving the 
original, the du])li(ate or carlioii co])y lacing sent to this oflRce, while the application 
is retained l)y tlie (h'|)iiiy issuing the license. When one stops to consider that the 
issuance of licemses annually, is over ten thousand, some idea can be gained of the 
amount of work that is necessary to handle this ])art of the routine alone. 

At the beginning of each year when it is necessary to send out the packages 
of licenses to county clerks and other liceiii^e collectors the same must be weighed, 
addressed, and either expressed or sent by registered mail, and a receipt for same 
sent to each individual collector for his signature and r(>turu to this office. This, 
in itself, is no snudl \tndertaking. 

The correspondence received by this otHce, and wliich must be taken care 
of, has assumed ])roportions scarcely helievalile. ^^■hen the license system firsb 
went into effect, hundreds of letters of inquiry were received and answered, some 
of them re(|uiring lengthy explanations relative to the new law. an average of 
fifty to one hundred letters being sent out daily for some time. Tt will be readily 
recognized that the keeping in touch witli over three hundred deputies, to say 
nothing of the numerous inquiries from private citizens, both in onr own and from 
other states, entails a very extensive correspondence. 

MINORS CARRYING GUNS. 

Tt seems to iiu' (Hiite ])ro|)er at this lime to eali espeeial attention to the danger 
of allowing ihildicn under seventeen years of age to carry fire arms. The joke 
books have h:id a wide range of material for fun making over the "•gun that wasn't 
loaded,'' l)ut in reality, fire arms in ilie hands of irresponsilde or careless persons, 
are a source of very great hazard. Kut. aside from the danger involved, there is 
another important considerati(ui. and that is the deplorabh^ desinielion of our 



56 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

bird life. It is safe to say that more song and insectiverous birds are destroyed 
by boys with twenty-two rifles than by all other agencies combined. 

In connection with this subject of gun carrying, it is a question if the best 
method of licensing hunters is not by gun license in place of the present method. 
The revenue from, the gun license would be increased over the present one, and 
it would have a tendency to check the killing of game out of season. For in- 
stance, if the warden discovered some chap out with a gun in the closed season, 
and would ask him what he v-as doing with his gun in the field, it is easy to 
imagine the answer, "I am out hunting rabbits." Or, if the game hunter was out 
during the closed turkey and grouse season, and were called to accomit, it is but 
natural to say,. "I am hunting predatory animals." A gun license system would 
obviate this difficulty. Under such a method no minor could carry a gun without 
legal permission, and this could not he secured without the consent of his parents 
or guardian. 

In ni}^ opinion the proper handling of fire arms should be taught in our ])iil)- 
Hc schools, and the lessons should be given to both boys and girls. In these days, 
especially in our western states, the ranchwoman, as well as the ranchman, oftea 
has occasion to use a rifle or a gun, and, in her hands, understanding as she does, 
their mechanism and use, they are harmless as the rolling pin. Danger in the 
manipulation of fire arms would be entirely eradicated, if the children were given 
lessons in their use. 

The operation of such a department as that of game and fish warden cannot 
be successfully carried out without the cordial confidence and active co-operation 
of the people in general, and from them must come, in greater part, the informa- 
tion regarding violations of the game laws. To render co-operation effective the 
sentiment of the citizens of the state must be with the cavise of game protection and 
propagation ; and, on the other hand, the officers of the department must have the 
confidence of the people. It is a well known fact that any information offered 
is given in the belief that the name of the informant will not be divulged, and 
with the understanding that he will be in no way connected with the prosecution. 
The information given is usually more or less indefinite as to the facts, and it 
then devolves upon this department to ferret out the evidence and substantiate the 
statements given. I am very much gratified to l)e alile to state that this office has 
enjoyed the cordial co-operation above suggested. While the office of warden in- 
volves duties largely similar to those of the police, yet, being often far removed 
from headquarters, the deputies are frequently compelled to rely upon their own 
initiative and depend on their own judgment, as to the course of action they 
shall pursue. 

All deputies, when ap])ointed, are instructed as follows: 

"It is not the policy of this department to lie too officious in interfering with 
hunters or fishermen to the extent of making this office ol)no\ious. What is de- 
sired, however, is to pursue, without fear or favor, all tho-c w!io knowingly, wil- 
fully or maliciously violate the law." 

The result of many investigations proves that complaints have been made 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



57 



from motives oi' malice and a desire to persecute some one for personal reasons and 
with no wish to further the interest of game protection. 

Following is a list of doputies in active service at this time. In making these 
appointments it has been my aim to compl}' with the wishes of the residents in 
the vicinity where tJie services of a deputy seemed necessary, withoiit reference to 
their political affiliations, but with a view only to securing men who were com- 
petent, who would devote the requisite time to the work, and take an active interest 
in it. Owing to the great distance to the county seats, in some sections of the 
state, Avhere the clerks are authorized to issue licenses, I have deemed it best to 
appoint collecting deputies by whom hunters could be readily accomodated, there- 
by debarring the offer of any excuse for hunting without a license. Many of these 
deputies, being ardent sportsmen, have sacrificed freely, their time and have ex- 
pended their own money in the service, with no other return than the twenty-five 
cent fee, given on the issuing of each license. In this connection I desire to extend 
to these assistants my most sincere appreciation of their able, faithful and intel- 
lig-ent attention to their duties. 




Monarch ot tlu' Glen. 



58 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH "WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



DEPUTY GAME AND FISH WARDENS IN NEW MEXICO. 



Santa Fe County. 

Willi Gable Fischer, chief tle|nity, 

Geo. W. Armijo, 

W. H. Kerr, 

Elmer E. Sayle, 

W. A. Bernard, 

Jose A. Gomez, 

T. F. Clifton, 

James Coleman, 

AY. M. Taber, 

T. W. Hanna, 

D. L. Miller, 

T. J. Dilley, 

A. D. Catanach, 

James Leese, 

Fred V. Plomteaiix, 

Giis Hunter, 

J. W. Akers, 

J. W. Giddings, 



Bernalillo County. 



A. E. Walker. 
Tony Michaelbach, 
Eayniond B. Stamm, 
Joe K. Platero, 
J. Fred Klein, 
H. B. Hammond, 
J. F. Mullen, 
Louis Holt, 
William Brown, 
Fred Snyder, 
Herbert M. Gaines, 
W. E. Mattoon, 
L. J. Putsch, 
Chas. M. Douglas, 



E. G. Twitty. 
Douglas Wright, 
J. F. Hutchinson, 
Wm. B. Hickman, 
Eamon Abreu, 
J. Van Houten, 



Colfax County. 



Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Golden, 
lldefonso. 
Hyer. 
Cerrillos. 
Glorieta. 
Lamy. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Espanola. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 
Santa Fe. 



Old Albiujuerque. 

Old Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquercpe- 

iVlbuquerque. 

Old Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque. 

Barton. 

Albuquerque. 



Eaton. 

Springer. 

Springer. 

Cimarron. 

Springer. 

Eaton. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



59 



Win. T. EiltA', 

.1. A. Black, ^ 

J. F. Lail, 

E. 11. Donaldson, 

J. A. Hurst, 

0. E. Jraiilsby, 

L. J. Edmimds. 

Geo. H. Webster, Jr., 

AV. L. Howard, 

E. E. Manning, 

Jno. Friend, 

Xareisso A'aldez, 

C'ha«. F. Lambert, 

I). I). Steffel , 

Abe Ilixenbaugh, 

1). Baldwin, 

A. L. Hobbs, 
Wade Brackett, 

Geo. Young, 
Joseph Eich, 
Dilo Chacon, 
Si Hickox, 
Chap. H. Coulter, 
Eobert W. Denny, 
J. D. Williams, " 
Henry Anderson, 
E. B." Cropp. 
Phil S. Baker. 
Leon B. Eyan. 
Wm. E. Inglis. 
Karl Eanev, 
W. D. Walton, 
Ed. Flynn, 
Frank Curtis, 



E. F. Ballard, 
B. E. Buffam, 
J. M. Johnson, 
B. Cleve, 
J. C. Eoff, 
D. E. Patrick, 
:\r. W. Eyans. 
Frank W. Grain, 
A. C. Jones, 



Chaves County. 



Yermejo Park. 

Dawson. 

Cimarron. 

French. 

Dawson. 

Koclilcr. 

L'aloii. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Cimarron. 

Eaton. 

Eaton. 

Eaton. 

]?aton. 

Yermejo Park. 

Ponil Pajk. 

Yermejo Park. 

Yernu'jf) Park. 

Eaton. 

Eaton. 

P. 0. Trinidad, Colorado. 

A'ermejo Park. 

Eaton. 

Yermejo Park. 

Koehler. 

Yermejo Park. 

A'ermejo Park. 

Eaton. 

Yermejo Park. 

Yermejo Park. 



Eoswell. 

Koswell. 

Eoswell. 

Elk. 

Plainyiew. 

Dexter. 

Lake Arthur. 

Dexter. 

Hairerman. 




V- ' '^\ 




REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



61L 



Win. P. Jo]in?on, 


Elk. 


M. S. Murray, 


Eoswell. 


R. B. House,' 


Eoswell. 


Curry 


County. 


f! C. Blumlein, 


Clovis. 


F. P. Helm, 


Ciovis. 


Dona Ana County. 


Isidoro Armijo, 


Las Cruces. 


Echv. Ehle , 


Las Cruces. 


Eenj. J. Viljoen, 


La Mesa. 


Cha's. T. Bartlett, 


La Mesa. 


Austin Beasley, 


Mesilla Park, 


Manuel R. Chaves, 


Mesilla. 


James H. Knight, 


Eincon. 


J. E. Findlev, 


Earlliain. 


F. L. Nation. 


Lanark. 


S. T. Eaynolds, 


La Mesa. 


T. Eoualt, Jr., 


Las Cruces. 


D. W. Taylor, 


Eincon. 


J. M. Piersol, 


Hatch. 


CO. Bennett, 


Las Cruces. 


Eddy 


County. 


A. E. O'Quinn, 


Carlsbad. 


G. P. Jackson, 


Malaga. 


L. E. Klebolds, 


Knowles. 


John Stewart, 


Queen. 


James M. Wood, 


Lakewood. 


C. 0. Merrifield, 


Hope. 


Mark A. Corbin, 


Artesia. 


Chas. W. Lewis, 


Carlsbad. 


Daniel E. Bass, 


Queen. 


James Harp, 


Carlsbad. 


Doc. N. Vest, 


Carlsbad. 


James M. Berrv, 


Dayton. 


H. M. Chilooat. 


Loving. 


Grant 


County. 


E. B. Tenable, 


Silver City. 


S. A. Frey, 


Leopold. 


A. L. Baync, 


Silver City. 


W. E. Watson, 


Pinos Altos.. 


Warren E. Huff. 


Central. 



62 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



J. Crockett Givens, 
B .B. Ownby, 
Wm. T. Smith, 
Elza E. Povnter, 
B. H. Cross^ 
Cecil E. C. Eeindorp, 
M. H. Burford, 
Murray Averitt, 
Clavton M. Howells. 



Guadalupe County. 



F. D. Crespin , 
Clias. J. Martin, - 
Jaspar P. Brooks, 
Eaymundo Harrison, 
Monroe Williams, 
E. D. Monsimer, 
J. F. Harbin, 



Lee 0. Lester, 
C. C. Fielder, 
Henrv Mann, 
W. D. Close,^ 



Luna County. 



Lincoln County. 



J. G. Eiggle, 
I. W. Wingfield, 
Chas. ]\reMasters, 
August Mayer, 
Lewis J. Mundell, 
Joseph Swain, 
Marshall I). Loveless, 
Eaymond E. Eogers, 
James E. Coleman, 
John L. Bryan, 
James A. Scott, 
James H. Kinney, 
James A. Lafferty, 
Joseph Long, 
W. C. Munda, 
H. D. Murray, 
W. E. Carter, 
John y. Hobble, 
Ealph L. Bateman, 
Lee E. York, 



Central. 

Lordsbnrg. 

Gila. 

Fierro. 

Pinos Altos. 

Central. 

Silver City. 

P. 0. Apache, Arizona. 

Silver City. 

Santa Eosa. 
Santa Eosa. 
Ft. Sumner. 
Anton Chico. 
Vaughn. 
Isidor. 
Cuervo. 



Deniing. 
Leming. 
Whitewater. 
Columbus. 



Lincoln. 

Euidosa. 

Carrizozo. 

Picacho. 

Hollo way. 

White daks. 

Meek. 

Lincoln. 

Lincoln. 

Xoga] . 

Capitan. 

Capitan. 

Eichordson. 

]\feek. 

Ancho. 

Tinnie. 

Euidosa. 

Ei chard son 

Gleneoe. 

Capitan. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



63 



McKinley County. 



F. W. Meyers, 




(ialhip. 




Dr. E. J. Davis , 




Zuni. 




D. E. Harrington , 




Guam. 




Tom Eansome, 




Gallup. 




Chas. P. Gage, 




P. 0. Fort Defiance, 


Arizona, 


Clarence Johnson. 




Gallup. 




Edward G. .Aliller. 




Guam. 




Geo. K. Pradt, 


Mora County. 


Grants. 




Alberto Yaldez, 




^lora. 




E. D. Woodbury, 




Watrous. 




F. M. Hughes,' 




Solano. 




E. J. H. Eoy, 




Eoy. 




Frank A. Eoy, 




Eoy. 




Geo. A. Viles, 


Otero County. 


Cleveland. 




John H. Bowman, 




Alaniogordo. 




Thos. H. Tucker, 




Alamogordo. 




Leo. Eogers, 




Clouderoft. 




H. L. ISTewman, 




Newman. 




D. S. Mills, 




Weed. 




Frank Curry, 




Tularosa. 




Sam E. Blocker, 




Mescalero. 




Saml. F. IVIiller, 




Mescalero. 




Peleg G. Kinney, 




Mescalero. 




J. B. WingfieUr, 




Three Rivers. 




Jesse A. Brubaker, 




Alamogordo. 




Verne Ehodes, 




Alamogordo. 




A. M. Neah 




Alamogordo. 




James Madison, 




Alaniogordo. 




L. L. Jones, 




Alamogordo. 




A. N". Bailey, 




Alamogordo. 




Fred A. Weir, 




Alamogordo. 




J. D. AIlsup. 




Pinon. 




Jas. A. Simmons, 




Clouderoft. 




T. B. Longwell, 




Clouderoft. 




Wm. Jno. Anderson. 




Clouderoft. 




J. W. Belk, 




Clouderoft. 




Bert L. Hilburn, 




Weed. 




James G. Schultz, 




Pinon. 




J. H .Wallace, 




Pinon. 




D. D. PTarkness, 




La Luz. 




Frank ^faxwell. 




Bent. 





64 



REPORT OF GAME AND GISH WAHDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Quay County. 



B. P. Donohoo^ 
W. I. Benner, 
A. P. Seigel, 
M. B. Peyton, 
W. C. Hawkins, 
L. D. Hnrst, 



Rio Arriba County. 



Elicio Lucero, 
Max Quintana, 
C. L. Pollard, 
F. G. Blake, 
Emmet Wirt, 
J. AV. Beck, 
Carpio Archuleta, 
Harry P. Hnntington, 
Elias Clark, 
L. A. Shartzey, 
James P. Lease, 
Geo. Bay, 
F. C. Irwin, 



C. P. Mitchell. 
AV. E. Marsh, 
JefS Hightower. 

Andrew Ivelley, 
Thomas Verner, 
Theo. Asselhofen, 

C. M. Wells. 
G. F. Worden, 
V. G. Trujillo, 
W. S. Barnes, 
S. Shanks, 
Joseph W. Peid, 
Eenhen Pankey, 
W. H. Weston, 

L. G. Eblen. 

D. J. Craig, 
M. L. Burrows, 
0. F. Eandall, 



Roosevelt County. 



Sierra County. 



San Juan County. 



Tuoumcari. 

Obar. 

Nara Visa. 

Tucumcari. 

Tucumcari. 

Quay. 

Tierra Amarilla. 

P. 0. Ortiz, Colorado. 

Espanola. 

Coyote. 

Dulce. 

El Pito. 

Truchas. 

Chama. 

Alcalde. 

Canjilon. 

Espanola. 

Chama. 

P. 0. Ortiz, Colorado. 

Portales. 
Portales. 
Portales. 

Hillsboro. 

Chloride. 

Cutter, 

Engle. 

Las Palomas. 

Fairview. 

Monticello. 

Fairview. 

Kingston. 

Hillsboro. 

Cutter. 



Aztec. 

Farmington. 
Farmington. 
Aztec. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



65 



Socorro County. 



E. II. Sweet, 
Wni. Borrowdale, 
Frank John?on. 
Lee Baldwin, 
Powell Stacklionse, Jr., 
J. A. .AreDonakl, 
('. B. Clark, 
W. J. AndrxiR, 
E. y. Baca. 
Pete ]\reFarland. 
Albert C. Wagner, 
Lee 0. Carson, 
Wm. Criswell, 
J. J. Bniton, 
AY. G. Music. 

A. H. Douglas, 
E. F. Bath'is. 

E. H. Crabb, 
J. F. Kussell, 

P. S. Blatchford, 

B. J. Fischer, 
Geo. Beyer. 
Frederick Winn, 
D. F. Wells. 

W .H. (loddard, 
P. W. Lewis. 
Clinton A. Hodges, 

F. L. Carter, 
L. G. Ilavnes, 
W. S. Day, 
Benjamin F. Hooteu, 
II. Basil Wales, 

W. B. Bunton, 
Geo. W. :\riller, 
Poss :\I. Atkins, 
A. 0. Pevnolds, 
P. F. Pheinliardt, 

G. S. Exon. 
Owen Holt. 
F. P. Sickles, 
J^obert F. Peid, 
Earl B. Young. 
Herbert B. Fav. 



Socorro. 

]\lagdalena. 

San Marcial. 

Peserve. 

San Antonio. 

K el ley. 

■Mogollou. 

Aragon. 

Socorro. 

Magdalen a. 

Peserve. 

Peserve. 

Peserve. 

Peserve. 

Peserve. 

Peserve, 

iMagdalena. 

]\Iagdalena. 

Magdalen a. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalen a. 

Alagdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

]\ragdalena. 

^Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

Magdalena. 

]\Iagdalena. 

AFagdalenn. 

Alagdalena. 

Luna. 

Posedale. 

Water Canyon, via Socorra 

San Antonio. 

Socorro. 

Alma. 

Mogollon. 

Mogollon. 



(66 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Sandoval County. 



Alfred IST. Montoya, 
Julius Seligniau, 
J. W. Miller, 
E. M. Fenton, 
Victor Mallett, 
H. E. Freelove, 
M. Martinez, 
Edgar C. Kennisoiij 
Daniel W. Carter, 
Hipolito Lucero, 
Juan C. Chaves, 



San Miguel County. 



Lorenzo Delgado, 
Wm. Harper, 
John A. Rudolph, 
Luther P. Eaines. 
Ludwig William Ilfeld, 

E. W. Smith, 
W. W. Tipton, 
G. M. Jones, 

L. H. Misseman, 
Sostensen Aragon, 
Clarence Wright, 
D. L. Williams. 
Victor Vigil. 
W. F. Steadman, 

F. L. Tracey, 
S. W. Hill, 
Pahlo Martinez, 



Taos County. 



A. Clouthier, 

B. L. Ortiz, 
F. W. Drake, 
A. A. Rivera, 
Fidel Martinez. 
Daniel Martinez, 
,B. G. Phillips, 
E. F. Lawrence, 
Harrv ]\rartin. 



Bernalillo. 

Domingo. 

Jemez. 

Jemez Springs. 

Bernalillo. 

Senorita. 

Cuba. 

Pines. 

Pines. 

Jemez Springs. 

Alo-odones. 



East Las Vegas. 

East Las Vegas. 

Rociada. ' 

Bell Ranch. 

Las Vegas. 

East Las Vegas. 

East Las Vegas. 

East Las Vegas. 

Beaulah. 

Fulton. 

Glorieta. 

Glorieta. 

Copies. 

Las Vegas. 

Rowe. 

Rowe. 

Pecos. 



Taos. 

Questa. 

Hodges. 

Taos^ 

Penasco- 

Penasco. 

Taos. 

Taos. 

Tres Piedras 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Torrance County. 



E. W. Roberson, 
Julius Meyers^ 
J. W. Collier, 
C. L. Burt, 
C. E. Davenport, 
S. E. D. Sears, 
Fred Kroenig, 
J. H. Sherman, 
T. W. Carscallen, 
Stephen Q. Garst, 
John S. Moore, 
B. F. Nabours, 



J. A. Pacheco, 
J. M. Martinez, 
Lee E. Byrne, 
Benjamin F. Brown, 
L. E. Gallegos, 



J. M. Luna, 
J. F. Tondre, 
Alex McTnnis, 
Wm. Owens, 
W. D. Eadcliffe, 
Samuel C. Young, 



Union County. 



Valencia County. 



Estancia. 

Estancia. 

Estancia. 

Mountainair, 

Encino. 

Willard. 

Mountainair. 

Tajique. 

Mountainair. 

Willard. 

Estancia. 

Progresso. 



Clayton. 

Folsom. 

N. Des ]\[oines 

Gould. 

Clayton. 



Los Luuas. 

Los Lunas. 

McCartys. 

Belen. 

Belen. 

iBluewater. 



Captain Fred Fornoff and his efficient corps of mounted police have ren- 
dered signal service to this department hy tlie alile and vigorous manner in which 
they have at all times co-operated with me in the carrying out of this Important 
work. 

The news])apors of the state have contributed unieb toward the success of tlie 
game and fi^^ii department in the zealous and hearty assistance they have unfailing- 
ly rendered in giving space freely to the dissemination of information regarding 
the law, and detailing the efforts being made to place Xew ^^fexico in her rightful 
position as foremost among the game states of America. 

The district attorneys and judges of our courts have shown commendaljle 
zeal in the handling of cases coming under game law violations, and have 
ever been ready to take up these matters when brought to their attention. Th'' 
sheriffs, justices of the ])eace and constal^los have also displayed a willingness to 
do their part in upholding the law and carrying out its provisions. 




JUST ONE MORE BEFORE SUPPER. 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 69 

Diirino- my inoiinilH'ncv n1' thi>; otfice. tlic records sliow : 

10 : Arrests 
i)!) Convictions. 
G Ac(|iiittals. 
2 Cases Pendinu-. 

In the matter of estaljlishinji' private g,i\me ])reserves in tlie state and the con- 
i?tnK'tion of private parks and ponds for the propagation of fish, and the disposal 
of the same in the market, 1 desire strongly to recommend this method of pro- 
cedure, as 1 l)elieve it wonld prove to be of great value to the people. In a previous 
cliajiter of this r<'i)ort. 1 liave set forth the reasons tiiat have led to this con- 
clusion. Tnder this system, 1 conceive the most satisfactory method to be to issue 
a license to the proprietor of every ])rivate ])ark or lake: such license to extend 
over a period of I'roiii two to ten years, the shorter period calling for the larger 
license fee. 

There can be no (piestion that tlic estal)lishuient of these ])ri\ate ])reserve« 
would l)e of benefit alike to the owner and the ])eople. ]Many ranchmen could, 
with little expense, construct these })onds without damage to the public waters, 
and from them they wouhl rea]) an additional revenue from their land. This will 
apply as well to game parks. The l)enefits would not be alone to the ])roprietors, 
but to the people in the same degive, as they would have, continually in the nuirket, 
a product now always scarce, and to many pi-ohibite<l altogether. I can see no 
reason why the citizens of this state should not have the same ])rivilege of selling 
game and fish from their own ])reserves as of selling cattle, sheej) or chickens. 

Another subject which seems to me of great ini))ortance and which I desire 
to mention briefly is that of the l)()unty on predatory animals. Section 1, of Chap- 
ter lOo, Session Laws of 1!)01), Xew ^lexico, reads as follows: 

"The Boards of County Commissioners of the several counties of the 

Territory are here1)y authoi-ized and directed to levy annually a tax of not to 

exceed one mill upon the assessed value of all taxable property in their re- 

5])ective counties for the purpose of raising funds with wh.ich to pay bounties 

for the killing of wild animals. * * * * * 

For each coyote, wildcat or lynx $ 2.00 

For each lobo wol f 1 5.00 

For each ])anthei' or inoiintain lion ' 10.00 

AVhile the lobo vrolf, wildcat and coyote are all destroyers of game, yet the 
greatest enemy to game life and the most destructive, among ])redatory animals, is 
the mountain lion. 

I rwomiiiciid that an imica-ed Ixxnity be offered on all the above mentioned 
freebooters in wild animal life, as an incentixc to hunters to go out after them, 
and aid in bringing about their idtiniate extermination. They are in the nature 
of a pest and their existence in the mountains and mesas is a ])erpetual menace 
to the game which we are endeavoi-ing to i)r(Uect and propagate. 

The bPst method of ])rocedure I believe to be the levying of one half mill, 
which is one half mill less than is provided in the jjresent law. on the taxable 
pr()])ei-ty in v.wh county, to be paid into the state treasury as a "wild animal bounty 



70 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



fund." The hides should be presented to the county clerk as under the present 
law, M'ith an affidavit as to when and where captured. Tn the event that the 
jDerson presenting the hides is unknown to the county clerk personall}^, some one 
must identify him. The clerk will then issue a receipt to liim and forward the 
pelts to the game warden, who will properly mark or cancel the hides and dispose 
of them at the best price possible, depositing the money thus received with the 
state treasurer to the credit of the M'iid animal bounty fund. The game warden 
will issue to the owner of the pelts a certificate, designating their number and kind, 
which, when presented to the state auditor will be an authorization to issue his 
warrant on the treasurer for payment. This plan will give an absolute check, 
first on the owner of the hides; second, on the county clerk; third, on the game 
warden's office, showing the number of hides received and sold, and the amount 
deposited with the state treasurer. By this method any possible collusion will be 
thwarted and no chance will be given for the payment for the same pelts more than 
once. There is no doubt that with this levy and the money received from the sale 
of wild animal skins, there would be a sufficient amount to meet all i^aymeuts for 
bounties. 

I would recommend, also, that all non-residents, who ])ay one hundred dollars 
or more in taxes into any county in the state, should be entitled to a resident hunter^s 
license. 




REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



71 



FISH FURNISHED BY HON. GEORGE M. BOWERS OF THE U. S. FISH COMMISSION, 

AND PLANTED IN NEW MEXICO WATERS, FROM JULY 1, 

1909, TO OCTOBER 10, 1910. 

Large-mouth Black Bass. 



Water 


Point of Deposit 


Number 


Laughing Water pond 


Clovis 


100 


Kennedy's pond 


Columbus 


80 


Ingram's pond 


Corona 


80 


Burnev's pond 


Deming 


100 


Harris' pond 


Deming 


200 


Hon's pond 


Deming 


100 


Jacobson's pond 


Deming 


100 


Kelly's pond 


Deming 


100 


Brown's pond 


Elida 


100 


McGill's reservoir. 


Le Lande 


100 


Asylum lake 


Las Vegas 


100 


Pecos river 


• Las Yegas 


100 


Palomas Springs 


^Montoya 


80 


Humble's pond 


Portales 


100 


Twin Mills pond 


Portales 


100 


Central Creek pond 


Silver City 


100 


Stafford's pond 


Texico 


100 


Buehanan'^s pond 


Tucumcari 


80 


Gierhart pond 


Farmington 


255 


Lake Togo 


Farmington 


255 


Las Animas river 


Aztec 


510 


San Juan river 


Farmington 


510 


Las Animas river 


Farmington 


510 


.Sclileutcr's pond 


Farmington 


128 


Rainbow Trout. 




Water 


Point of Deposit 


Number 


Aqua Fria creek 


Cimarron 


2,000 


Canon Bonita creek 


Cimarron 


1,000 


Cimarronciti creek 


Cimarron 


1,000 


Cimarron river 


(^imarron 


1,000 


Clear creek 


Cimarron 


1,000 


Ponil creek 


Cimarron 


1,000 


Eavado creek 


Cimarron 


1,000 


Gallinas river. Avest fork 


Las Vegas 


2,400 


Myrtle pond 


Uaton 


1.200 


Sugarite creek 


17a ton 


6,000 


Crystal pond 


TJoswcll 


2,000 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Black-spotted Trout. 




Water 


Point of Deposit 


Xumber 


Canon Bonito creek 


Cimarron 


3.000 


Ciniarronciti creek 


Cimarron 


2,000 


Cimarron river 


Cimarron 


2,000 


Clear creek 


Cinuirron 


2.000 


Ponil creek 


Cinuirron 


2,000 


Eavado creek 


Cimarron 


2,000 


Eayado river, wc^^t fork 


Cimarron 


3,000 


Ute creek 


Cimarron 


4,000 


Pecos river 


Glorieta 


14,000 


Burro l^ranch 


Las Yeoas 


4,000 


Gallinas river 


Las Vegas 


G,000 


Fresinal creek 


Mountain 7'ark 


ir).ooo 


liio 'J'esuqiie river 


Santa Fe 


:,20f) 


Cow creek 


Glorieta 


10,000 


Xnteritiis creek 


Chania 


9,000 


Eio Brazos 


Chanui 


9.000 


El Rio Xani])e 


Santa Fe 


i2.r,oo 


Enibndo river 


Embudo 


7,500 


Pecos river 


Glorieta 


10,030 


Cimarron river 


Cimarron 


12.000 


Cliama river 


Cham a 


15.000 


Rangel creek 


Socorro 


12,500 


Cimarronciti creek 


Cimarron 


12.000 


Santa Barl)ara river 


Emlmdo 


7.500 


Turkey creek 


Cimarron 


12.000 


Ponil river 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Pueblo river 


Eml)udo 


7,500 


Ti'ampas river 


Es])anola 


7,500 


Santa Clara creek 


Esjianola 


10.000 


liio Quemado 


Espanola 


20.000 


A<|ua Fria creek 


Cimarron 


12.000 


Clear creek 


Ute Park 


12.000 


Canon l^onito creek 


Cimari-on 


12.000 


Clunua i-iver 


Cham a 


15.000 


Santa Fc river 


Santa Fe 


12,500 


Payado river 


Cimarron 


12.000 


T'rraca reservoir Xo. 1 


Cimarron 


12.000 


rte creek 


rte Park 
Rock Bass. 


12.000 


Welter 


Point of Deposit 


Number 


Coojier's lake 


Ancho 


200 


Dark Canon creek 


Carlsbad 


225 



74 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Tsnowles' pond 


Doming 


100 


Peterson's pond 


Deming 


100 


Eamsey's pond 


Deming 


100 


Adams lake 


Colfax County 


300 


Crescent pond 


Texico 


100 


Silver lake 


Tnlarosa 


200 


Large-mouth 


Black Bass. 




"\vaLer 


Point of Deposit 


Number 


Clark's lake 


Artesia 


250 


Pecos river 


Carlsbad 


500 


Rocky Arroyo creek 


Carlsbad 


150 


Adams lake 


Colfax 


254 


Bishop's lake 


Dexter 


150 


Eamah reservoir 


Gallup 


300 


AVares' reservoir 


Hagerman 


150 


Biiena Yista lake 


Las Vegas 


280 


Miller's pond 


Santa Fe 


100 


Farmers' reservoir 


Springer 


320 


Jaritas lake 


Springer 


320 


Santa Clara Creek reservoir 


Wagon Mound 


195 


Dnlce lake 


Ijumberton 


300 


Brook 


Trout. 




W'ater 


Point of Deposit 


Number 


Spring- Canon pond 


Alamogordo 


5,000 


El Eito de la Arrhaw 


Glorieta 


2,000 


Sapello river 


Las Vegas 


4,000 


Eio Grande Livestock Co., lak( 


3 Santa Fe 


2,000 


Eio del Medio creek 


Santa Fe 


3,200 


Santa Fe river 


Santa Fe 


2,000 


Tesnque creek 


Santa Fe 


2,000 


Glenwood pond 


Silver Citv 


4,000 


Glenwood Springs 


Silver City 


5,000 


Tilson creek 


Wagon Mound 


1,600 


Brown Fork creek 


East Las Vegas 


3.200 


Gallinas river, sonth fork 


Las Vegas 


4,000 


Arroyo Hondo creek 


Serviletta 


3,200 


Gallinas river. Elk fork 


Las Vegas 


3,200 


Trout Springs creek 


Las A^egas 


3,200 


Eio Grande lake 


Santa Fe 


3,200 


Ponil river 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Eayado creek, west fork 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Eayado creek, north fork 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Gallinas river. Wesner fork 


Las Vegas 


3,200 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



75 



Galliuas river, 
Pecos river 
Gallinas river, 


Young 
Burro 


s fork Ijas Vegas 

Glorieta 
fork Las Vegas 

Sunfish. 


3,200 
3,200 
3,200 


Water 




Point of Deposit 


Number 


Harris' pond 
Mesa lake 




Doming 
Elida 

Yellow Perch. 


150 
100 


Warer 




Point of Deposit 


Number 


Adams lake 




Colfax 


219 



STATEMENT OF FISH PLANTED IN THE WATERS OF NEW MEXICO BY THE U 

S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES DURING THE FISCAL YEAR 

ENDING JUNE 30, 1911. 

Catfish. 



Water 
Bran urn's pond 
Las Animas river 
San Jnan river 
XX Eanch pond 
Howard's pond 
Laughing Water pond 
Eamsey pond 
Rankin's pond 
Gunshee pond 
Gierhart pond 
Lake Togo 
Las Animas river 
San Jnan river 
Sell] enter's pond 
Williams' pond 
Click's reservoir 
Dobson's reservoir 
Hale's reservoir 
Leathorman reservoir 
Slivigardt's reservoir 
Timbrel's pond 
Veit's reservoir 
Fowler's reservoir 





Fingerlings, 




yearlings, 


Point of deposit 


and adults. 


Anchor 


100 


Aztec 


510 


Aztec 


660 


Cambrag 


100 


Clovis 


150 


Clovis 


100 


Deniing 


100 


Elida 


200 


Espanola 


150 


Farmington 


255 


Farmington 


255 


Farmington 


510 


Farmington 


510 


Farmington 


128 


!M el rose 


100 


]?odes 


100 


Eodes 


100 


Eodes 


100 


Rodes 


100 


Eodes 


100 


Rodes 


100 


Rodes 


100 


K' OS well 


100 





.te 




ll 




^ 


^^^■Miii:.':-:'-' ' ^^ i 




.'^:':^>^fii|^BHl 




«^lli . ^^^Hh 




^^£' 


«f ,^ :-^V Viiillllll^-^ ^^ . . , f ; 




@i 


,*'-'■ "■'Sir . '«<■' ''.. \ 




lHWPE 


i^^iy%t ®' ' '^^' ' ' 




G^?;< 


fe*"^ ■.'■:;;; '•*'*<*•?',,* '• ■ 





REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Jiyc'i-rs Kig rosoi'voir 
Statt'oi'd's reservoir 
] leagan's reservoi r 
Willow lake 
Sliat'er lake 
Weil lake 



Soeorro 


100 


Texico 


100 


Tularosa 


125 


Tularosa 


125 


Wagon Mound 


•^00 


Wagon Mound 


200 



Rainbow Trout. 



Water 
Taji(jue creek 
Kio T\darosa 
Silver lake 
K'ed river 
Jlixon's j)ond 



Location 

Estaneia 

Tularosa 

Tidarosa 

T^te Park 

Willanl 



Fingerlings, 

yearlings 

and adults. 

1,()J0 

2,400 

400 

l.oOO 

400 



Black-spotted Trout (Native), 



^Yater 
Chaina river 
Nuteritus ereek 
Rio Brazos 
Aqua Fria ereek 
Canon Bonito creek 
Cimarron river 
C i n 1 a r r one i to cr ee)-: 
Clear ereek 
Planning creek 
Ponil river 
Rayado river 
I'ayado creek 
'i'ui-key creek 
Urraea reservoir Xo. 
T"te ci'eek 
Einhiulo river 
Puel)Io river 
Santa lUirhara river 
Ifio Queniado 
Santa Clara creek 
Tranij)as river 
Cow creek 
Pecos river 





Fingerlings, 




yearlings 


Location 


and adults. 


Cliama 


30,030 


Cliatua 


9,000 


Cliaiiia 


9,000 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Cin)arron 


12,000 


(*iniarron 


10,030 


Cimarron 


62,000 


Cimarron 


12.000 


Cimarron 


r.r»oo 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Cimari-on 


12,000 


Cimarron 


12,000 


Eiid)udo 


7.530 


EmI)udo 


r.590 


Enibudo 


7.500 


Espanola 


20,000 


Esjianola 


10.000 


Espanola 


7.000 


Glorietta 


lO.ODO 


Olorietta 


10.030 



78 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



Santa Fe creek 


Eaton 


25,000 


El Eio jSTambe 


Santa Fe 


13,500 


Santa Fe river 


Santa Fe 


13,500 


Eangel creek 


Socorro 
Trout. 


13,500 


Brook 








Fingerlings 






yearlings 


Water 


Location 


and adults, 


Cham a river 


Chama 


13,000 


Clear creek 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Ponil river 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Eayado creek 


Cimarron 


' 14,300 


Eayado creek, west fork 


Cimarron 


5,000 


TTte creek 


Cimarron 


5.000 


Van Houten creek 


Cimarron 


10,000 


Valley creek 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Whitney creek 


Cimarron 


5,000 


Pecos river 


Glorietta 


33,300 


Brown Fork creek 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


Gallinas river 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


Gallinas river, Elk fork 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


Gallinas river, south fork 


Las Vegas 


4,000 


Gallinas river, Wesner fork . 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


Gallinas river. Young's fork 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


Front Springs creek 


Las Vegas 


3,300 


El Eio Nambe 


Santa Fe 


3,300 


Eed Eock creek 


Santa Fe 


4,000 


Eio Grande lake 


Santa Fe 


3,300 


Arroyo Hondo creek, upper 


Serviletta 


3,300 



Crappie and Strawberry Bass. 



Water 
Ward's reservoir 
Hayne's lake 
Wilson pond 





Fingerlings, 




yearlings 


Location 


and adults. 


Eodes 


35 


Eos well 


35 


Eos well 


35 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



79 





Rock 


Bass. 




Fingerlings, 
yearlings 


Water 




Location 




and adults. 


Pendleton's pond 




Elida 




125 


Honey pond 




Folsom 




125 


Lawrence reservoir 




Lake Arthur 


125 


Wheelers reservoir 




Eoswell 




125 


Downing's pond 




Sixela 




125 


^y niter's pond 




South Springs 


125 


L 


arge-mouth 


Black Bass. 




Fingerlings, 
yearlings 


W'ater 




Location 




and adults. 


Eio C4rande lake 




Albuquerque 


2-t 


"\Mieaton's lake 




Dexter 




21 


Wheeler's lake 




Dexter 




20 


Van lake 




Dexter 




12 


Dnlce lake 




Dulce 




300 


Lake Smnner 




Fort Sumner 


110 


Eamah reservoir 




Gallup 




24 


Lakes 13-20 




Maxwell 




24 


Haymakers pond 




Roswell 




12 


North Spring river 




Eoswell 




50 


Santa Fe Creek reservoir 


Santa Fe 




50 


Jaritas reservoir 




Springer 




24 




Sunfish. 














Fingerlings, 










yearlings 


Water 




Location 




and adults. 


(Jlen ^lary pond 




Rhodes 




100 


Cornforth reservoir 




]\Iountain 


Park 


100 




RECAPITULATION. 






Catfish 




5 


,478 




T»ainl)ow tront 




6 


,300 




Black-spotted tront 


(native) 


377 


.500 




Brook trout 




I'iG 


,200 




Crappie and Strawherry bass 




105 




Eoc'k bass 






750 




Large-month Black 


bass 




G71 




Sun fish 






200 





Total 



5 IT. 204 



80 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 



FfSH PLANTED BY THE TERRITORY IN NEW MEXICO WATERS DURING 

THE YEAR 1910. 



W^ater 
Arroyo Hondo 
Kio i'lieblo 
Santa Barbara 
Rio Medio 
Frijoles 
Santa Clara 
Pecos river 
Gallinas river 
Los Pinos 
Eio Qnemado 
Chama river 
Santa Fe river 



Fry; variety. 
]\Iountfiin trout 
]\Iountain trout 
Painbow trout 
Mountain trout 
]\Iountain trout 
Painbow trout 
Painbow trout 
Mountain trout 
Mountain trout 
Mountain trout 
Mountain trout 
Painbow trout 



50,000 
70,000 
50,000 
50,000 
30,500 
30.000 
200,000 
133,000 
50,500 
31,500 
50,000 
30,000 



Total number of trout fry planted durino- 1910 8?3.500 



FISH PLANTED BY THE TERRITORY IN NEW MEXICO WATERS, DURING 

THE YEAR 1911. 



W^aters 




Fry; variety. 




Gallinas river 




Brook trout 


45,000 


Gallinas river 




Painbow trout 


3,000 


Pecos river, upper 


and loAver 


Brook trout 


79,000 


Pecos river, upper 


and lower 


Painbow trout 


9,000 


Pio Medio 




Bro(jk trout 


27,000 


Pio Medio 




Painbow trout 


3,000 


Ojo Caliente, and El Pito 


Brook trout 


22,000 


Pio Lucero and Arroyo Hondo 


Brook trout 


37,000 


Rio Liicero and An 


royo Hondo 


Painl)ow trout 


3,000 


Los Pinos river 




Broolv trout 


72,000 


Los Pinos river 




Painbow trout 


3,000 


Chama river 




Painl)ow trout 


55,250 


Brazos river 




Painbow trout 


27,625 


El Pito creek- 




Painbow trout 


27,625 


Pi Medio creek 




Painl)ow trout 


116,025 


Lower Pecos 




Painbow trout 


49,725 


Pecos river, central 




Painbow trout 


49,725 


Pecos river, upper 




Painl)ow trout 


27,625 


Santa Fe river 




Painl)ow trout 


33,150 



Total nuuiber of trout fry planted durino- 1911 689,750 



REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 81 

RECEIPTS. 

As per Statement of Territorial Treasurer, from April 1st, 1909 to J.-jnuary 1st, 1910. 

lieceived from Lcgisilative aj)i)rc)i)riatioii. Warden's salary $1350.00 

deceived I'roni Legislative ap])ro])riation. Contingent expenses. . -147.26 

l^eceived from sale of licenses and permits 7710.20 

Eeceivcd from lines for violations of Game and Fish Laws. . . . 175.00 



Total receipts 9683.46 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

As Per Vouchers on File With Territorial Auditor, From April 1st, 1909, to Jan. 1st, 1910. 

Salary of Warden $i;550.00 

Salary of chief depnty 675.00 

For printing 025.60 

For telegrams and telephone messages and rent of office 'phone. 83.32 

For office supplies^ traveling and incidental expenses of warden. . 428.25 

Ladges for use of depnty game and fish wardens 75.00 

Typewriter and cover for nse in warden's office 92.50 

Postage and hox rent 120.13 

Express and freight 17.90 

Paid deputy game wardens for s])ecial field duty 583.83 

Total dishursements $4051.53 

Balance in hands of Territorial Treasurer to credit of The Game 

Protection Fund, January 1st, 1910 5630.93 



$9682.46 



RECEIPTS. 



As per statement of Territorial Treasurer, from January 1st, 1910, to January 1st, 1911. 
P)alance in Terr. Treasury to credit of Game Protection Fund. .$5630.93 

Peceived from Legislative appropriation, warden's salary 1800.09 

Peceived from Legislative apjU'opriation, contingent expenses. . . 533.15 

Peceived from fines for violation of Game and Fish Laws 1428.60 

Peceived from sale of licenses and ]iormits 7745.45 

Tolnl receipts $17138.13 



82 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

DISBURSEMENTS. 
As Per Voucher on File With Territorial Auditor, From Jan. 1st, 1910 to Jan. 1st, 1911. 

Salary of warden $1800.00 

Salary of chief deputy 825.00 

For printing 407.90 

For telegrams and telephone messages and rent of office 'phone. . 209.19 

For office supplies, traveling and incidental expenses of warden. . 1071.oo 

Postage and box rent 117.75 

Express and freight 40.35 

Paid special deputies for Held work 832.60 

Overpaid the Treasurer by deputies and refunded to bal. acct.. . . 22.50 

Paid for fish and distributing in various streams 2520.72 

Paid for quail and distributing 122.90 

Paid for guineas and distrilniting 12.00 

Total $: 7982.4(5 

Balance in hands of Territorial Treasurer to credit of The Game 

Protection Fund, January 1, 1911 9155. G7 

. . $17138.13 

RECEIPTS. 

As Per Statement of Territorial Treasurer, from January 1st, 1911, to January 1st, 1912, 

Balance in Terr. Treasury to credit of Game Protection Fund. .$9155.07 

Received from Legislative appropriation, Avarden's salary 1800.00 

Received from Legislative appropriation, contingent expenses. . . 356.00 

Received from sale of licenses and permits 7128.00 

Received from fines for violation of Game and Fish Laws 210.35 

Total receipts $18650.02 

DISBURSEMENTS. 
As Per Vouchers on File With Territorial Auditor. From Jan. 1st, 1911, to Jan. 1st, 1912. 

Salary of warden $1800.00 

Salary of chief deputy 900.00 

For printing 224.85 

For telegrams and telephone messages and rent of office "phone. . 202.13 

For office supplies, traveling and incidental expenses of warden. . 367.65 

Postage and hox rent 93.08 

Express 52.51 

Paid special deytuty for field work 279.25 



REPORT OF GAME AND FlSil WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

Overpaid the Treasurer by deputies and refunded to bal. accl. . . 1.25 

Paid for lisli and distributing- in various streams 2820.20 

Paid for elk and planting 1400.75 

Paid for pheasants and their propagation 151.43 

Paid for quail and distributing '. 238.27 

Total dislnirsenients $8531.37 

Balance in hands of Territorial Treasurer to credit of 1'he Game 

Protection Fund, Jaiuiarv 1. 1!)12 10118.65 



83 



$18650.02 




A CRITICAL MOMENT. 



84 REPORT OF GAME AND FISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

GAME AND FISH LAWS. 

'No person shall at any time shoot, hunt or take in any manner any game wliieii 
is by law protected in this state without first having in his possession a hunt- 
ing license as hereinafter provided for the year in which such shooting or hunting 
is done. Hunting licenses shall l)c issued by the county clerks, the state game 
Vv^arden and such deputies as may l)e designated for tliat purpose by the state war- 
den. 

A general hunting license shall entitle the person therein named to hunt game, 
quadrupeds and l)irds during the open season therefor. 

A big game license shall entitle the person therein named to hunt game quad- 
rupeds during the open season therefor. (Wild turkeys are classified as l)ig game 
under the meaning of the act). 

A bird license shall entitle the person therein named to hunt game birds other 
ilian wild turkey during the open season therefor. 

Any person not a l)ona fide resident of this state, but who is a l^ona fide resi- 
dent of the United States, shall be entitled to procure a non-resident hunting 
license. 

Any unnaturalized foreign-l)oru ])erson who has lived in this state for six 
months then last passed, shall be entitled to procure a resident-alien hunting license. 

The state warden and license collectors shall charge and collect the following 
fees: 

l^'or each guide license $ 5.00 

For each big game license, resident l.OO 

For each bird license, resident 1.0'> 

For each general hunting license, resident 1.50 

For each big game license,, non-resident 25.09 

For each bird license, non-resident 5.00 

For each big game license, resident-alien 5.00 

For each bird license, resident alien 5.00 

For each bird license, non-resident alien 10.00 

For each storage permit 1.03 

For each importation permit, for sale 2.00 

For each transportation permit 1 .00 

For each permit, to transport out of the state, deer (etuh) 2.00 

For each permit to ship out of the state, each lot of fish 1.00 

For each permit to retain game animal in captivity 1.00 

For each du])licate license, certificate or jiermit - 1.00 

All non-resulents will be required to pay a fishing license of one dollar. l)ut 
nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent persons under the age of twelve 
years from fishing during the open season. They will, however, be required to 
otherwise comply with all the laws as herein specified. 

The right given by this act to take or kill game or fish is limited to two wild 
turkeys, six grouse, twenty ducks, thirty other birds, fifteen pounds of trout not 



REPORT OF GAME AND FJSH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 85 

less than six inches in length, lil'teen })Oiin(ls of l)ass not less than seven inelies 
in length, for each person in any one calendar day, and no person shall kill, take 
or have in possession in any one open season more than one deer with horns, nor 
have in possession at any one time more than four wild turkeys, six grouse, thirty 
ducks or thirty other hirds nor more than twenty-five pounds of trout or hass and 
no game or fish shall he held in posesssion by any person more than five days after 
the close of the season for killing of same, except as in this act otlierwise pro- 
vided. 

Xo game shall he pursued, wounded, taken or killed with a steel or hard 
pointed hullet. and in no instance shall fishing be done between the hours of 9 
o'clock p. ni., and -f o'clock a. m.. nor shall any person use in the pursuit, taking, 
wounding or killing any animal, hirds or fish protected by this act, any net, seine, 
trap, cage, snare, salt lick, blind, scaffold, deadfall, ])it. snag hook, trot line, arti- 
ficial light or similar device whatever, ])rovided that dogs, blinds, sinks and decoys 
may he used in hunting birds; nor shall any person engage in hunting or shoot- 
ing within the limits of any city or town, except the town or city council may by 
ordinance fix a line within their limits permitting the same.- 

OPEN SEASON FOR GAME AND FISH. 

Deer with horns- — AYith gun only; Octoher 1.3th to Xovendjcr l-")th of each year. 
Limit, one deer to each person. 

Wild Turkey — With gun only; Xovemljer 1st to Decendjer .">lst of each year. 
Limit, four in possession at one time. 

Grouse — With gun only; October 1st to Decendx'r ;)lst of each year. Limit. 
thirty in possession at one time. 

Xative or Crested Quail — AVitli gun only; October 1st to December .'Ust of 
each year. Limit, thirty in possession at one time. 

Doves — With gun only; August 1st to October 31st of each year. Limit, 
liiirty in possession at one time. 

Snipe, Curlew and Plover — With gun only; Septend)er 15th to ^farch 1st of 
each year. Limit, thirty in possession at one time. 

Ducks — Limited to thirty in possession at one time 

Trout (all species) — With rod, hook and line only; ]\ray loth to October loth 
of each year. Size limit, not less than six inches in length. Weight limit, 15 
pounds in any one calendar day, 25 pounds in possession at one time. 

Bass (large and small mouth) — AA'ith rod, liook and line only. Size limit, 
not less than seven inches m length. Weight limit. 15 pounds in any calendar 
.day, 25 pounds in possession at one time. 

CLOSED SEASON. 

Elk, ^lountain Sheep, Reaver and i'ttirniigan. killing cajtturing or injuring 
prtihihited at all times. 

.Vntelope. liob-white. Quail. ]Mieasant and Wild Pigeons, killing, capturing 
or injurii^g jn-oliihited until ]\[arch 18, 1011. 

Prairie Chicken, killing, capturing or injuring prohihited until Januarv 1. 
1915. 



86 REPORT OF GAME AND GISH WARDEN FOR NEW MEXICO. 

CONCLUSION. 

In closing this report I desire to extend thanks to Hon. George M. Bowers 
of the U. S. fish commission; Captain W. E., Smith, superintendent of U. S. fish 
ear number 3; Dr. T. S. Palmer, assistant chief, U. S. biological survey, and A. 
C. Cooper, of the same department; likewise to the game and fish wardens of other 
states for many favors received: to the Santa Fe system, and to the Denver and 
Eio Grande railroad company, which has, when requested, most cheerfully fur- 
nished a car for the transportation of fish for distril)ution along the lines of its 
road in this state. 

In making this report I have had two objects in view : first, to acquaint the peo- 
ple of the state fully with the work of this department, — what has been done and 
what, in my judgment, should be done, — and further, to give to those outside the 
state, the information which has been frequently sought from this office, regard- 
ing the conditions of our game and fish. 

I believe, in closing, it would be pardonable in me to say that there is very 
much more to the proper conducting of this department than is generally believed 
or Icnown. 

Having been always deeply interested in outdoor s]:)0rts, I entered into the 
work with great interest and zest, and have devoted my entire time and best ener- 
gies to the bringing about of the most beneficial results. 

THOMAS P. GABLE, 

Game and Fish Warden. 




INDEX. 



Page. 

Antelope ~'^ 

Arrests and Convictions 69 

Artificial Ponds 30 

Beaver ^1 

l)ig Ganie - • 

Birds, Bob White 39 

" Blue j\[onntain Quail 39 

" Crow ^'^ 

'' Gambel Quail 3S 

" Grouse -^1 

" Insectiverous 37 

" Pheasants 39 

" Ptarmigan 42 

'^ Prairie Hen -A-t 

" Shore -1^ 

Clerical Work o") 

Conclusion 8^ 

Deer 49 

" ■ Sonorian or Bock 3T 

Department, Self-Sustaining 1'3 

i)e]iut3' Wardens, Instructions to •')'» 

'' ■'■ List of 5>i 

Elk 40 

Felicitations -"ii 80 

Financial Pe])ort * 81 

Fish, Black ]iass "29 

'' Brook Trout o'3 

*' Catfish and Crappies ol 

" Hatchery ;')•"■> 

" Planting and Shipping •^"> 

" Eainbow and Mountain Trout 3.i 

" Xumber and AVhere Plantetl T 1 

Game Preserves, National l-^> 

Private 17 

" '■■ Legislation by States 19 

Introduction T 



88 INDEX. 

LawSj Game and Fish 84 

" License Sj^stcm 1"3 

'' Open and Closed Season 85 

Minors Carrying- Gnns 55 

]\Iountain Sheep 27 

Predatory Animals 35 

Prelude ^ 9 

Preservation of Game and Pish 1 L 

Eecommendations, Bounty on Predatory Animals ■. . . . 69 

" Change in Method of Payment 69 

'"' Gun License 56 

" Handling Fire Arms 56 

" Non-Eesident Tax Payer and License 70 

Private Game and Fish Preserves 17-69 

Screens or Paddle Wheels , 36 

Turkey 42 

Tiolation of Game Laws 21 

Wardens'' Duties (opinion of experts) 52 



